ttUNOIS  HBTDSStt  SURVEI 


INDUSTRIAL  AND  PICTURESQUE 


ROCKFORD. 


Corr\plirr\errts  of 

BUDLONG  &  GIFFEN, 


fliT]ericari  Exchange  Bar)K  Building, 

SEVENTH  STREET. 


PRICE,  50   CENTS. 


POSTAGE    ON    THIS    BOOK,    FOUR    CENTS. 


INDUSTRIAL  AND  PICTURESQUE 


ROCKFORD. 


EUGENE  BROWNE  AND  F.  FORD  ROWE. 


PRICE,  50   CENTS. 


POSTAGE    ON    THIS    BOOK,    FOUR    CENTS. 


ROCKFORD,  llili.: 

Forest  City  Publishing  Company. 

dune,   1891. 


\ 

^ 


Original  Photographs  by 

ERICK    ERICKSON, 
Roekford,          -         -         Illinois. 


Fewest  Gifey. 


The  din  of  commerce  greets  the  listener's  ear, 
Hammer  and  anvil  sound  an  echo  clear, 
The  sturdy  tread  of  honest  labor's  foot 
Tells  where  the  oak  of  progress  finds  a  root. 

HE  primitive  and  painted  Indian  warrior  who  stood  upon  the  bank  of  what  is 
now  Rock  river  a  trifle  over  half  a  century  ago,  could  not  have  imagined 
in  his  wildest  hour  that  child  of  his  could  live  to  see  a  stately  city  rise 
from  the  prairie  and  point  its  hundreds  of  factory  chimneys  toward  the 
azure  dome.  But  such  a  vision  became  palpable, — and  he  himself  bore  reluctant 
evidence  of  the  first  steps  toward  this  wondrous  transformation.  The  white  man 
came,  and  the  red  brother  abandoned  his  tepee  and  disappeared  before  the  wave  of 
civilization. 

Now  Rockford  is  a  city  of  thirty  thousand  progressive  people;  brimful  of  busi- 
ness and  bustle,  and  toiling  tirelessly.  Her  citizens  are  pleased  with  her  past, 
proud  of  her  present,  and  fulsome  for  her  future.  The  fleeting  years  have  made 
much  of  her  and  she  stands  to-day  a  queen  amid  queens  and  destined  for  great  ends. 
Men  come  and  go;  clouds  form  and  burst;  stars  rise  and  fade;  but  fair  Rockford 
came  to  stay.  Her  pulse  beats  with  enduring  vigor  and  the  chill  of  decreptitude  can 
never  reach  her  heart. 

It  is  not  the  intention  of  this  little  book,  however,  to  give  an  unnatural  gloss  to 
her  present  or  future.  We  deal  only  in  facts;  cold,  hard  realities.  The  city  was 
settled  by  sturdy  men  from  New  York  and  New  England,  and  their  descendants 
are  here  to  day.  They  are  not  rainbow  chasers,  fiction  fanciers  or  snake  charmers ; 
they  are  citizens  with  a  world  of  faith  in  the  prowess  of  their  own  right  arms. 
Unaided  they  have  established  a  wonderful  manufacturing  municipality.  Without 
soliciting  outside  capital  they  have  started  hundreds  of  industries  whose  product 
foots  up  many  millions  every  year.  They  h.ave  created  a  city  with  broad  paved 
streets,  luxuriant  homes,  unequalled  water  and  sewer  systems  and  perfect  fire  and 
police  protection;  a  city  where  good  government  and  enterprise  march  hand  in 
hand.  The  men  who  have  made  this  rose  to  blossom  are  in  a  position  to  talk  facts. 
Facts  are  what  they  speak  to-day.  They  are  talking  to  you. 

—  5- 


Past  ar}d  Present, 


'S  first  settlers  were  Germanicus  Kent  and  Thatcher  Blake,  who 
came  from  Galena  in  1835  and  built  a  saw  mill  on  Kent's  creek  near 
where  the  Illinois  Central  depot  now  stands.  A  ford  across  Rock  river 
was  at  that  place,  and  hence  the  name— Rockford.  A  rope  ferry  suc- 
ceeded to  the  ford,  and  in  1836  the  county  of  Winnebago  was  organized 
with  Rockford  as  the  county  seat.  The  territory  also  included  what  is  now  the 
county  of  Boone,  and  at  the  first  election  128  votes  were  cast.  The  same  area  now 
has  a  population  of  over  60,000  souls,  half  of  whom  dwell  in  the  city  of  Rockford, 
the  queen  of  Northern  Illinois. 

The  first  saw  mill  which  marked  the  city  as  a  manufacturing  point  has  long 
since  disappeared,  but  170  other  industries  have  arisen,  Phoenix  like,  and  now 
Rockford  lays  claim  to  the  title  of  the  industrial  city  of  the  west.  Against  that 
claim  there  are  none  to  say  her  nay.  Her  dinner  pail  brigade  of  eight  thousand  fac- 
tory employes  forms  an  argument  that  cannot  be  gainsaid. 


Tei]  Thousand  Worshippers. 


kOCKFORD  is  a  city  of  churches.  There  are  twenty-seven  religious  organ- 
izations, and  at  least  eight  of  them  own  property  exceeding  in  value 
$50,000  each.  Three  of  the  largest  and  most  expensive  churches  in  the 
state  are  located  in  Rockford.  The  greatest  Swedish  congregation  in  the 
United  States  is  found  in  the  First  Lutheran  church,  which  has  a  member- 
ship of  2,300  and  can  seat  them  all  in  their  handsome  edifice.  The  Court  Street 
M.  E.  church  has  the  largest  membership  of  any  society  of  that  denomination  in 
the  state  and  worship  in  a  structure  costing  over  $80,000.  The  Second  Congrega- 
tional society  is  just  completing  a  $100,000  edifice.  St.  Mary's  Catholic  church  owns 
a  $75,000  structure  and  the  parish  has  a  membership  of  2,200  souls.  All  the  religious 
denominations  are  in  a  prosperous  condition  and  combine  a  total  membership 
exceeding  ten  thousand  persons.  The  churches  are  divided  as  follows :  Baptist 
three,  Catholic  two,  Christian  two,  Congregational  three,  Episcopal  one,  Lutheran 
five,  Methodist  six,  Presbyterian  three,  Unity  one.  These  various  societies 
mvn  church  property  exceeding  $800,000  in  value  and  the  edifices  have  a  seating 
capacity  of  nearly  twenty  thousand  persons. 

The  Yount,'  Men's  Christian  Association  have  a  stalwart  organization  in  Rock- 
ford  and  their  headquarters  is  one  of  the  beauty  spots  in  a  city  of  handsome  build. 
iiiLT-.  The  association  has  300  active  members  and  their  building  and  lot  at  the 
corner  of  State  and  Madison  streets  represents  an  investment  of  about  $60,000. 

—  7  — 


Not  a 


disclaims  the  suggestion  of  being  a  boom  town.  She  needs  no 
brass  band  to  puff  her  prowess.  The  extraordinary  growth  of  the  past 
two  vears  Das  not  been  attained  by  minstrel  methods.  Her  own  citizens 
have  expended  capital  that  demanded  earnest  toil  to  complete  the  idea  of 
the  investor.  Skilled  labor  accordingly  came  to  her  doors  and  found  a 
ready  market.  Homes  were  needed  for  the  new  arrivals,  and  more  mechanics  were 
required  to  build  them.  Thus  the  chain  lengthened  until  all  branches  experienced 
a  wholesome  advance.  Rockford  has  doubled  her  population  within  a  decade,  and 
more  than  sixty  per  cent,  of  this  increase  has  been  in  the  two  years  ending  May  1st 
1891.  There  is  no  evidence  of  a  cessation.  On  the  contrary  never  was  the  city  so 
full  of  life  and  promise  as  at  this  time.  Labor  is  in  strong  demand.  There  are  no 
idle  factories,  empty  stores  nor  vacant  homes  in  the  entire  city,  and  this  in  spite  of 
the  unparalleled  building  operations  that  have  been  and  are  going  on. 


Secret  Societies, 


i HE  social  side  of  Rockford  claims  the  admiration  of  all  visitors.  Her  people 
are  fraternal  and  hospitable,  as  becomes  a  community  which  traces  its 
ancestry  back  to  the  old  Now  England  homes.  Within  her  gates  are  many 
social  organizations  in  which  the  stranger  finds  a  cordial  greeting.  The 
many  secret  societies  which  adorn  the  social  fabric  of  the  nation  are  widely  repre- 
sented in  the  city.  The  Masonic  bodies  are  very  strong,  as  are  also  the  Odd  Fellow 
organizations  and  Knights  of  Pythias.  The  uniformed  rank  of  the  latter  finds  its 
headquarters  here,  as  also  do  the  Select  Knights,  the  Good  Templars  and  the 
Grand  Circle  of  White  Men.  Other  organizations  are  the  Elks,  the  Red  Men,  the 
Foresters,  the  Royal  League,  the  Hibernians,  the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  the  Royal  Arcanum, 
the  Knights  of  Honor,  the  Modern  Woodmen,  and  something  less  than  a  score  of 
other  secret  bodies.  There  are  also  very  many  social  and  literary  clubs,  assem- 
bling for  various  purposes.  Many  of  these  are  luxuriantly  located  and  all  in  flour- 
ishing condition.  The  Thursday  Knights,  the  Y.  M.  C.  U.  and  the  Knights  Tem- 
plar have  exceptionally  handsome  headquarters. 


Education  ir|  RocKford. 


kN  unrivalled  opportunity  is  afforded  the  young  idea  to  shoot  in  the  city  of 
Rockford.  Nothing  lies  between  it  and  the  zenith  sun.  The  municipal- 
ity supports  fourteen  large  public  schools  and  three  annexes,  in  which  all 
common  school  branches  are  taught  by  competent  instructors.  Besides 
this  there  are  the  famous  Rockford  Seminary,  the  Rockford  College,  the 
Rockford  Academy  and  other  private  schools  where  general  knowledge  may  be 
acquired,  and  also  various  conservatories  and  schools  of  art  and  music.  The  cen- 
sus shows  a  population  of  over  ten  thousand  souls  between  the  ages  of  six  and 
twenty-one,  and  of  this  number  nearly  four  thousand  are  duly  enrolled  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  under  seventy -five  skilled  teachers.  The  management  rests  in  a  board 
of  education  and  a  school  committee  of  the  common  council.  The  Hisrh  school  is  a 
magnificent  building,  occupying  a  commanding  site  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river. 
It  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $40,000.  The  fourteen  schools  of  the  city  represent  an 
investment  of  $250,000  for  the  buildings  and  sites.  Prof.  P.  R.  Walker  is  superin- 
tendent of  schools. 

The  Rockford  Seminary  was  founded  forty-two  years  ago,  and  its  alumnaj  may 
be  found  all  over  Ihe  land.  Among  its  graduates  are  many  who  have  found  fame  in 
the  various  avenues  of  life  that  are  open  to  the  gentle  sex.  The  buildings  are  situ- 
ated in  a  romantic  park  of  ten  acres  lying  on  the  river's  bank.  The  property  is 
valued  at  over  $100,000  and  the  average  number  of  pupils  is  about  125.  Rockford 
college  more  especially  educates  its  pupils  for  a  business  career,  and  is  a  large  and 
flourishing  school.  A  graduate  of  the  Rockford  high  school  is  admitted  without 
question  or  examination  into  the  leading  colleges  and  universities  of  the  country. 


Har)dsonne  Easiness  Blocks. 


ERTAINLY  no  more  unfailing  criterion  of  the  material  progress  and  pros- 
perity of  Rockford  could  be  adduced  than  the  number  of  solid  and  sub- 
stantial business  houses  which  have  been  built;  many  conspicuous  for  their 
artistic  architectural  design  and  the  completeness  of  their  appointments.  Among 
them  might  be  mentioned  the  Stewart  block,  costing  $80,000,  Perry  &  Lake  block, 
costing  $>0, 000,  Third  National  Bank  and  Blake  block,  costing  $40,000,  Central  block, 
costing  $->5,000,  Sumner  block,  costing  $25,000,  Burpee  and  Woodruff  block,  $50,000. 
Rockford  National  Bank,  $45,000,  and  the  Hutching  &  Lake  block,  $30,000.  But 
•while  the  progress  made  in  1889  and  '90  was  remarkable,  the  present  year  gives 
greater  promise  of  an  unprecedented  activity,  as  a  large  number  of  magnificent 
buildings  are  to  be  started,  among  which  are  the  new  hotel  costing  $250,000.  the 
Commercial  Bank  building  to  cost  $150,000,  and  also  the  government  building  to 
<rost  $100,000. 

—  11  — 


Not  a 


£^t  OCKFORD  disclaims  the  suggestion  of  being  a  boom  town.  She  needs  no 
1  brass  band  to  pnff  her  prowess.  The  extraordinary  growth  of  the  past 
two  rears  has  not  been  attained  by  minstrel  methods.  Her  own  citizens 
have  expended  capital  that  demanded  earnest  toil  to  complete  the  idea  of 
the  investor.  Skilled  labor  accordingly  came  to  her  doors  and  found  a 
ready  market.  Homes  were  needed  for  the  new  arrivals,  and  more  mechanics  were 
required  to  build  them.  Thus  the  chain  lengthened  until  all  branches  experienced 
a  wholesome  advance.  Rockford  has  doubled  her  population  within  a  decade,  and 
more  than  sixty  per  cent,  of  this  increase  has  been  in  the  two  years  ending  May  1st 
1891.  There  is  no  evidence  of  a  cessation.  On  the  contrary  never  was  the  city  so 
full  of  life  and  promise  as  at  this  time.  Labor  is  in  strong  demand.  There  are  no 
idle  factories,  empty  stores  nor  vacant  homes  in  the  entire  city,  and  this  in  spite  of 
the  unparalleled  building  operations  that  have  been  and  are  going  on. 


Secret  Societies. 


i  HE  social  side  of  Rockford  claims  the  admiration  of  all  visitors.  Her  people 
are  fraternal  and  hospitable,  as  becomes  a  community  which  traces  its 
ancestry  back  to  the  old  New  England  homes.  Within  her  gates  are  many 
social  organizations  in  which  the  stranger  finds  a  cordial  greeting.  The 
many  secret  societies  -which  adorn  the  social  fabric  of  the  nation  are  widely  repre- 
sented in  the  city.  The  Masonic  bodies  are  very  strong,  as  are  also  the  Odd  Fellow 
organizations  and  Knights  of  Pythias.  The  uniformed  rank  of  the  latter  finds  its 
headquarters  here,  as  also  do  the  Select  Knights,  the  Good  Templars  and  the 
Grand  Circle  of  White  Men.  Other  organizations  are  the  Elks,  the  Red  Men,  the 
Foresters,  the  Royal  League,  the  Hibernians,  the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  the  Royal  Arcanum, 
the  Knights  of  Honor,  the  Modern  Woodmen,  and  something  less  than  a  score  of 
other  secret  bodies.  There  are  also  very  many  social  and  literary  clubs,  assem- 
bling for  various  purposes.  Many  of  these  are  luxuriantly  located  and  all  in  flour- 
ishing condition.  The  Thursday  Knights,  the  Y.  M.  C.  U.  and  the  Knights  Tem- 
plar have  exceptionally  handsome  headquarters. 

—  9-- 


Pleasures  of  Silnqnqer, 


URING  the  torrid  months  of  summer  and  the  mellow  autumn  days  the 
Rockfordite  and  his  visitor  from  abroad  brush  away  many  of  the  cares  of 
commerce  and  take  advantage  of  the  numerous  opportunities  afforded 
for  out  of  door  recreation.  Rock  river,  one  of  the  most  picturesque 
streams  in  the  west  flows  through  the  city,  and  its  banks  are  lined  with  many 
beauty  spots.  Picnic  and  camping  parties  pitch  their  quarters  above  and  below 
the  city,  and  within  easy  reach;  so  that  the  elements  are  not  to  be  feared.  The 
Rockford  Yacht  Club  was  formed  last  year,  and  operates  the  spruce  and  staunch 
little  steamer  Arrow,  which  plys  up  and  down  the  river  constantly,  visiting  the 
recreation  parks  and  camping  grounds.  The  vessel  will  carry  two  hundred 
passengers,  and  is  but  one  of  a  numerous  fleet  of  steam  and  sail  craft  that  plow 
the  picturesque  stream.  Harlem  Park,  Remington  Park,  Riverside,  Arrow  Park, 
Latham  Grove  and  Edgewater  are  some  of  the  superb  retreats  along  the  river  bank. 
The  former  is  a  part  of  the  river  boulevard,  and  is  reached  by  driveway  and  electric 
car,  as  well  as  by  the  stream.  It  has  been  converted  into  an  elaborate  park,  and  is 
utilized  for  tncnics,  promenade  concerts,  encampments,  and  other  out-of-door 
gatherings.  The  novel  Switchback  railroad,  or  midsummer  toboggan,  is  located 
here,  and  is  a  drawing  card  for  the  park.  The  Fair  association  have  grounds  near 
the  center  of  the  city  that  form  a  natural  amphitheatre.  They  are  illuminated 
by  electricity  and  devoted  to  summer  night  concerts  as  well  as  the  fair.  The 
property  contains  a  half  mile  race  track,  and  is  used  by  the  city  as  a  public  park. 

The  Rockford  Driving  Club  was  organized  in  the  early  spring  of  1891,  with 
Frank  G.  Smith,  President,  H.  H.  Palmer,  Vice  President,  C.  C.  Jones,  Secretary, 
and  Geo.  L.  Woodruff,  Treasurer.  The  club  owns  magnificent  grounds,  embracing 
seventy  acres,  and  have  laid  out  a  kite-shaped  mile  track  that  is  pronounced  the  best 
and  fastest  in  the  west  with  one  exception.  The  park  contains  an  amphitheatre 
seating  three  thousand  persons,  and  all  the  appointments  are  patterned  from  the 
most  approved  racing  courses  of  the  world.  The  club  gives  at  least  two  trotting 
meetings  each  year,  and  offers  liberal  purses.  The  grounds  are  easily  accessible  by 
electric  cars  or  the  St.  Paul  road,  lying  just  north  of  the  city  limits. 

The  Rockford  Base  Ball  Club  was  organized  this  year,  with  that  crack  player 
and  manager,  Hugh  Micol,  at  the  helm.  The  club  secured  a  franchise  in  the  Illinois 
and  Iowa  league,  composed  of  eight  lively  cities.  They  have  a  strong  team,  and 
their  park  is  located  in  the  west  end  on  the  route  of  the  new  electric  street  car  line. 
The  club  promises  to  finish  a  successful  season. 

Only  seven  miles  from  Rockford  are  the  famed  Blackhawk  Springs.  Within 
easy  reach  are  the  many  delightful  lakes  of  Southern  Wisconsin  and  Northern 
Illinois.  The  city  is  in  the  "health  belt,"  and  her  people  need  scarcely  stir  from 
their  doors  to  seek  a  fresh  and  invigorating  summer  resort.  The  Ransom  Sani- 
tarium, located  on  the  river  just  north  of  the  city,  has  quite  a  reputation  as  a 
curative  establishment,  whether  it  be  the  summer  or  the  winter  season. 

All  things  considered,  Rockford  is  especially  favored  in  her  situation.  The 
blizzards  of  winter  and  the  extreme  sultry  days  when  the  dog  star  rules  do  not  fall 
to  her  lot.  The  climate  is  even,  and  the  annual  rain-fall  comparitively  small;  all  of 
which  assists  in  sustaining  the  city's  claim  as  a  spot  for  healthful  out-door 
recreation. 

—  13  — 


Rs  a  Jobbing  Poir\t. 


veloped  into  quite  a  jobbing  center.  The  same  factors  which 
have  been  instrumental  in  making  her  a  manufacturing  center,  are  the  ones 
which  contribute  largely  to  her  success  as  a  jobbing  point.  The  railway 
facilities  are  unexcelled.  In  supplying  surrounding  towns  and  cities  quite  a 
wholesale  and  jobbing'trade  has  been  established  in  drugs,  groceries,  harness,  paper, 
cigars,  snuff,  meats  and  seeds,  reaching  annually  into  a  very  handsome  sum. 


CorTqnqercial  Cliib. 


©NE  of  the  city's  more  recent  creations  is  the  Commercial  Club,  formed  the 
present  year  and  already  domiciled  in  a  handsome  home  on  North  Main 
street  in  the  stylish  residence  portion  of  the  city.    Their  club  house  possesses 
perhaps  the  handsomest  interior  in  the  town,  the  decorations  alone  costing  $3,000- 
The  membership  includes  fifty  or  more  of  the  young  business  men  of  the  city,  who 
find  the  Club  residence  a  very  convenient  and  attractive  spot  in  which  to  entertain 
friends  from  other  cities.    The  Club  is  quite  a  social  one  and  there  is  a  ladies1  recep- 
tion night  each  week.    The  officers  are :    O.  P.  Trahern,  President;  E.  H.  Keeler, 
Vice-President ;  Paul  F.  Schuster,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


Water  Worlds. 


water  supply  of  the  city  is  a  source  of  special  pride  to  the  citizens  and  of 
profit  to  the  municipality.  The  water  works  represent  an  investment  of 
$400,000  on  the  part  of  the  city,  and  they  yield  a  handsome  revenue  each 
year.  The  supply  comes  from  five  artesian  wells,  having  an  average  depth  of  1500 
feet  each.  The  works  are  fully  equipped  with  the  best  Holly  machinery  and  the 
pumps  have  a  capacity  of  eleven  million  gallons  per  diem — enough  to  supply  a  city 
of  75,000  inhabitants.  The  water  is  as  pure  and  sparkling  as  that  which  flows  from 
a  mountain  spring.  There  are  forty  miles  of  water  mains  laid  in  the  city,  and  many 
more  to  follow.  There  are  three  hundred  public  hydrants  for  fire  service.  The 
total  pumpage  at  the  works  during  1890  was  866,000,000.  The  revenue  of  the  water 
department  was  $27,000  and  the  operating  expenses  $11,000.  There  are  no  cities  in 
the  Union  better  or  more  cheaply  supplied  with  water  than  Rockford.  The  whole 
is  under  the  efficient  charge  of  Chas.  W.  Calkins,  chief  engineer  and  superintendent.. 

—  15  — 


FIRST    LUTHERAN     SWEDISH    CHURCH. 


Miiriicipal 


>HE  affairs  of  the  city  are  in  an  enviable  condition  in  spite  of  the  large  sums 
that  have  been  expended  for  public  improvements  within  the  past  two  or 
three  years.  Rockford  owns  property  to  the  value  of  a  million  dollars,  and 
her  indebtedness  is  only  $250,000.  The  assessment  is  based  upon  one- 
tenth  to  one-fifth  of  the  actual  valuation,  and  the  rate  of  taxation  is  about  three 
per  cent  on  these  figures— much  less  than  in  almost  every  other  growing  city  in 
the  state.  Within  the  past  two  years  the  city  has  expended  $125,000  for  bridges  and 
$70,000  for  paving.  There  are  now  fourteen  miles  of  large  sewer  mains,  making  an 
•excellent  drainage  system  which  is  being  added  to  from  month  to  month.  The 
•entire  business  portion  of  the  city  is  splendidly  paved,  and  two  miles  more  of  brick 
pavement  is  now  being  laid  in  other  districts.  Electric  street  railways  run  to  all 
parts  of  the  city  and  clear  out  to  all  the  later  factory  additions,  furnishing  rapid 
and  satisfactory  communication  in  every  way.  The  city  possesses  every  metropol- 
itan advantage,  and  the  electric  lights  that  hover  over  her  are  not  more  brighter 
than  her  future.  The  business-like  administration  of  Mayor  J.  H.  Sherratt  which 
witnessed  so  many  permanent  municipal  improvements,  finds  a  worthy  successor 
in  that  of  Mayor  Harry  N.  Starr. 


Fire   Department 


ANOTHER  thing  that  is  pardonable  in  the  citizens  of  Rockford  is  the 
amount  of  pride  which  they  take  in  the  fire  department,  which  has  not 
only  a  local  reputation  but  is  celebrated  throughout  the  state  for  its  effi- 
ciency. It  is  a  paid  department,  and  numbers  eighteen  men.  The  prop- 
^rty  consists  of  one  steamer,  one  mogul,  two  hose  carriages,  two  hose  wagons,  one 
hook  and  ladder  wagon,  twelve  horses,  3,000  feet  of  hose,  and  four  engine  houses. 
The  value  of  this  property  is  S38.874.00.  Edward  Hefferan  is  chief  marshal,  suc- 
ceeding that  efficient  officer,  John  T.  Lakin.  Owing  to  the  promptness  and  the 
manner  in  which  the  department  is  handled,  we  will  venture  to  make  the  asser- 
tion that  Rockford  has  a  less  number  of  fires  than  any  city  of  its  size  in  the  state. 
The  city  has  twenty-four  miles  of  fire  alarm  telegraph  with  twenty-eight  boxes  and 
seven  house  stations,  affording  rapid  communication  with  the  factory  districts. 


Police  Protection. 


|M')N(;  the  many  things  which  catch  the  eye  of  a  stranger  upon  entering 
Rockford  is  its  police  force,  which  is  composed  of  as  fine  and  handsome 
a  lot  of  men  as  one  might  see  in  many  a  day,  and  who  manage  to  keep  the 
rougher  element  in  the  "straight  and  narrow  way,"  and  thus  maintain  the  rep- 
utation which  Rockford  has  as  a  moral  city.  The  force  numbers  eighteen  men, 
with  Ed.  Tisdale  as  chief. 


fl  Railroad  City. 


i  HE  tie  that  binds— the  railroad  tie,  is  one  that  bisects  Rockford  at  frequent 
intervals  and  easily  connects  her  with  all  the-  thoroughfares  of  steel  that 
cover  the  face  of  the  continent  as  with  a  net.  The  city  lies  on  four  great 
systems  of  railroad,  and  is  one  of  the  greatest  points  for  travel  and  ship- 
ment that  the  Mississippi  Valley  contains.  Fifty  passenger  trains  arrive  or 
depart  daily,  bearing  their  thousands  of  travelers  to  all  parts  of  the  land.  The 
city  is  but  a  little  over  two  hours'  run  distant  from  Chicago,  and  there  are  more 
than  a  score  of  luxurious  trains  running  daily  between  the  two  points.  For  the 
handling  of  freight  the  arrangement?  are  perfect.  Nearly  every  one  of  the  two 
hundred  industrial  enterprises  of  the  city  are  connected  by  sidetrack  with  some 
road,  and  there  is  a  project  on  foot  for  the  construction  of  a  belt  line  around  the 
town  for  the  accommodation  and  advantage  of  all.  Rockford  gets  the  benefit  of  a 
low  rate  on  in  and  out  freights,  and  is  so  situated  that  lumber,  iron,  coal,  and  all 
raw  materials  are  quickly  and  cheaply  brought  to  her  doors. 

The  aggregate  of  freight  handled  at  Rockford  station  by  all  roads  is  enormous. 
Mile  after  mile  of  trains  pass  out  or  in  each  week,  bearing  to  all  the  world  the  story 
of  her  prowess  as  a  city  of  commerce  and  industry. 

THE  ILLINOIS  CENTRAL. 

Perhaps  as  prime  a  factor  in  the  city's  marvellous  growth  of  recent  years  was  the 
entrance  of  the  Illinois  Central  railway  into  the  limits.  It  cost  the  company  some- 
thing like  a  million  dollars,  but  when  the  work  was  completed  the  city  began  to 
put  on  its  good  clothes  and  to  swell.  The  company  now  has  nearly  five  miles  of 
sidetracks  and  yards  in  and  around  Rockford,  and  a  score  of  large  factories  have 
been  erected  along  their  right  of  way,  to  all  of  which  they  have  lent  their  encour- 
agement. Small  wonder,  then;  that  the  Rockfordite  swears  by  the  Central  and 
calls  it  the  godfather  of  the  boom.  The  main  line  from  Chicago  to  Sioux  City 

—  19  — 


pa*>es  thn>u<:h  Rrckford,  and  tin-  most  luxurious  and  rapid  trains  in  the 
West  pass  over  it.  Two  hour?  has  been  beaten  between  Rockford  and  Chicago,  and 
this  division  has  been  pronounced  the  best  piece  of  railway  construction  west  of 
New  York.  Certain  and  rapid  connection  with  all  of  the  company's  3,000  miles  of 
rail  west,  east,  north,  and  south  is  afforded  from  Rockford,  and  all  trains  roll  into  a 
palatial  passenger  station,  which  is  pronounced  the  greatest  beauty  spot  on  the 
line  of  any  railway  in  the  state.  Both  the  freight  and  passenger  business  of  the 
company  is  enormous,  and  much  is  due  to  the  tireless  energy  and  popularity  of  the 
treneral  agent  at  Rockford,  Aid.  Ed.  W.  Brown. 

"THE  BURLINGTON  ROUTE"   (C.  &  I.  RAILWAY). 

Rockford  stands  as  an  important  point  on  the  mighty  Burlington  system  by  vir- 
tue of  its  being  the  northern  terminus  of  the  Chicago  &  Iowa  road,  one  of  the  exten- 
sive lines  included  in  their  operations  and  controlled  entirely  by  them.  The  divi- 
sion extends  to  Aurora,  with  connections  at  that  place,  Shabbona,  orRochelle,  with 
the  main  Burlington  lines  in  the  north  and  west.  The  magnificent  train  service  of 
this  trreat  system  of  steel  is  a  matter  of  praise  on  the  part  of  all  tourists.  For 
speed,  luxury  and  safety  the  Burlington  trains  challenge  the  universe.  Close  and 
certain  connections  are  made  to  enable  the  traveler  to  quickly  reach  any  one  of  the 
hundreds  of  stations  on  the  system,  as  well  as  to  open  the  entire  railway  opera- 
tions of  the  land  to  his  accommodation.  The  local  business  of  the  road  is  very 
large.  Many  of  Rbckford's  heaviest  shippers  are  on  the  right  of  way,  and  all  have 
facilities  afforded  by  a  complete  system  of  sidetracks.  The  business,  both  freight 
and  passenger,  continually  shows  a  wholesome  increase.  Supt.  H  D.  Judson,  of 
the  Chicago  division,  is  in  charge  of  affairs  at  Aurora,  and  Al.  G.  Everett  is  the 
efficient  general  agent  of  the  road  with  headquarters  in  Rockford.  There  are  over 
7,000  miles  of  steel  railway  directly  controlled  by  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  system,  and  all  is  quickly  available  from  Rockford. 

CHICAGO,  MILWAUKEE  &  ST.  PAUL. 

This  system,  pronounced  the  greatest  in  the  world,  has  an  important  division 
passing  thiough  Rockford,  and  a  huge  business,  especially  jn  the  way  of  bringing 
in  lumber  from  the  north,  is  transacted.  Trains  run  from  Madison  to  Davis  Junc- 
tion, connecting  with  their  main  lines  east  and  west,  and  reaching  the  thousands  of 
lively  stations  touched  by  the  company.  Their  interests  here  are  looked  after  by 
J.  A.  Cotton.  The  company  occupy  a  passenger  station  jointly  with  the  C.  &  I;, 
with  Lew  Blake  as  general  ticket  agent. 

CHICAGO  &  NORTHWESTERN. 

One  of  the  greatest,  and  the  pioneer  division  of  this  huge  system  is  the  120 
miles  of  track  between  Freeport  and  Chicago,  and  on  which  Rockford  is  the  lead- 
ing station.  All  points  on  the  7.000  miles  of  rail  controlled  by  this  company  can 
easily  and  quickly  be  reached  from  Rockford  by  means  of  the  handsome  vestibule 
trains  that  pass  through  daily.  They  do  a  very  large  business,  both  freight  and 
l>;i-M-nger,  and  their  interests  locally  are  in  charge  of  E.  E.  Manning. 


Field  of  Fir)ar|ce. 


•  HE  numerous  banking  and  financial  institutions  of  the  city  have  always 
deservedly  commanded  the  confidence   of  the  community.    No  breath  of 
.suspicion  or  portent  of  panic  has  ever  dimmed  their  credit.    There  are 
now  six  national  and  two  state  banks.    Two  others  are  in  process  of  organ- 
ization.   All  are  luxuriantly  housed  and  possess  every  modern  safeguard  against 
the  attack  of  the  fire  fiend.    It  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a 
needle  than  for  a  cracksman  to  enter  the  strong  box  of  a  Rockford  bank. 
Recent  statements  made  by  them  are  summarized  below : 

Forest  City  National  Bank.  John  D.  Waterman,  President;  Paul  F. 
Schuster,  Cashier.  After  but  223  days  of  business  the  loans  and  discounts  were 
$1(53,263;  total  resources,  5230,223;  cash  capital,  $100,000;  deposits,  $101,130;  surplus, 
36,593.27. 

Rockford  National  Bank.  Gilbert  Woodruff,  President;  W.  F.  Wood- 
ruff, Cashier.  Capital,  $100,000;  resources,  $478,303;  surplus  and  profits,  $97,967. 

Second  National  Bank.  G.  A.  Sanford,  President;  Geo.  E.  King, 
•Cashier.  Capital,  $2'X),COO;  resources,  $837,863;  surplus  and  profits,  $93,174. 

Winnefoago  National  Bank.  T.  D.  Robertson.  President;  Chandler 
Starr,  Cashier.  Capital,  $100,000;  resources,  $704,648;  surplus  and  profits,  $121,989. 

Manufacturers'  National  Bank.  C.  O.  Upton,  President;  A.  P.Flo- 
berg,  Cashier.  Capital,  $125,000;  resources,  $428,690;  surplus  and  profits,  $20,422. 

Peoples'  Bank.  A.  D.  Forbes,  President;  W.  H.  McCutchan,  Cashier. 
Capital  $125,OCO;  resources,  $607,320.50;  surplus  and  profits,  $55,593.78. 

American  Exchange  Bank.  John  Budlong,  President;  Rob't  L.  Giffen, 
Cashier.  Capital,  $50,000;  established  1891. 

Third  National  Bank.  A.  C.  Spafford,  President;  G.  C.  Spafford, 
Cashier.  Capital,  $80,000;  resources,  $526,257;  surplus  and  profits,  $55,975. 

BUILDING  AND  LOAN  ASSOCIATIONS. 

Home  Building  and  Loan  Association.  Seely  Perry,  President; 
Geo.  F.  Penfield,  Secretary.  Authorized  capital,  $1,000,000;  assets,  $346,362;  loans 
in  force,  8329,245. 

Swedish  Building  and  Loan  Association.  P.  A.  Peterson,  Presi- 
dent :  Alfred  T.  Lindgren,  Secretary.  Capital,  $2,000,000;  assets,  $75,681.85;  loans  in 
force,  *<ir>.:;i;:,.  411. 

Rockford  Building  and  Loan  Association.  E.  H.  Keeler,  Presi- 
dent :  s.  Fletcher  We\ 'burn,  Secretary.  Authorized  capital,  $20,000,000;  organized 
Oct.  is'.in:  ;i>st-!>.  >i:;.sv!4:  loans  in  force,  $13,450. 

Itockford  Security  and  Investment  Company.  Daniel  Goodlander, 
President:  S.  Fletcher  Weyburn.  Secretary.  Capital,  $50,000;  organized  May,  1890. 


I N s r  H AXCE    COM PASTES. 

1C  or  Moid    Insurance  Company.     John    Lake,   President;    Chas.    E. 
Sheldon.  Secretary.    Capital.  .f2!X),()!i •  >:  assets,  fS01,4S8;  net  surplus,  $90,214. 

Forest  City  Insurance  Company.    Gilbert  Woodruff,  President:  A.  II. 
Sherratt,  Secretary.     Capital,  $100,000:  asset?,  $434,316;  net  surplus,  $88,284. 

Ulan  11  fac Hirers'  and  Merchants'  Mutual  Insurance  Company. 

H.  \V.  Price,  President:  Geo.   S.   Roper,   Secretary.    Assets,   $298,564;  net  surplus, 
184,466. 


SUnqEqary  of  Facts  ar|d  Figures 


citizens  of  Rockford  may  well  feel  proud  of  the  magnificent  showing 
which  its  industries  make,  aS  [will  be  seen  by  the  following  facts  and  fig- 
ures  which  have  been  carefully  compiled,  and  may  be  relied  upon: 

Capital   invested $    6,703,500  00 

Annual  product 15,439,000  00 

Annual  pay  roll  (for  same) 4,393,000  00 

Making  a  weekly  pay  roll  in  factories  alone 83.41232 

Actual  number  of  industries 174 

Actual  number  of  hands  employed 7,893 


Tlqe  Various  "Ends. 


V  the  vast  development  of  the  past  two  years,  and  the  fact  that  twenty-seven 
new  manufacturing  industries  have  been  added  to  the  city  within  that  time 
have  made  many  an  acre  into  urban  property  that  formerly  lay  without 
the  pale  of  the  city  limits  and  was  largely  given  over  to  the  peaceful  pur 
suits  of  agriculture.  Of  the  750  homes  built  or  being  built  within  the  past  two 
yean,  one-third  have  been  erected  on  this  erstwhile  outlying  property,  and  the 
greatest  improvement  to  the  city  is  here  noted.  The  factories,  too,  have  gone  into 
these  new  addtions,  and  hence  their  future  is  well  assured.  The  North  End,  the 
West  Kud.  The  Kast  Hnd,  and  the  Southeastern  additions  all  clearly  demonstrate 
that  the  growth  of  Rockford  is  regular  and  certain. .  All  values  have  greatly 
advanced,  and  the  city  is  becoming  compactly  built  up  with  homes  that  are  far 
superior  to  those  that  any  other  manufacturing  city  in  the  world  can  boast  of. 

—  25- 


Tt]e  Co-operative  Idea. 


a  score  of  the  largest  manufacturing  institutions  of  the  city  the  co-opera- 
tive plan  of  conduct  prevails.  The  most  insignificant  employe  possesses  his 
share  of  stock  and  feels  a  lively  interest  in  the  business  Such  things  as 
strikes  or  labor  troubles  are  never  heard  of — neither  are  there  any  failures. 
The  feeling  between  employer  and  employed  is  that  of  mingled  interest  and  divi- 
sion of  profit.  In  no  city  in  the  union  is  this  situation  more  pronounced  than  in 
Rockford.  Then,  too,  the  great  diversity  of  the  city's  manufactures  place  her 
beyond  the  reach  of  market  fluctuations  or  climatic  influence.  There  are  no  enor- 
mous factories  in  the  city  where  labor  troubles  may  foment  or  business  depres- 
sion affect  an  entire  community.  There  are  over  600  different  articles  manufac- 
tured in  the  174  different  industrial  institutions  of  which  the  city  boasts,  and 
hence  a  disturbance  in  any  particular  branch  can  never  bring  a  tremor  to  the  Rock- 
ford  pulse.  Her  industries  are  as  immovable  as  the  hills  and  as  regular  as  the 
hour  glass. 


Industrial  Directory, 


FURNITURE  FACTORIES. 


Clitrax  Slide  and  Table  Company.  Capital  stock,  $50,000.  B.  A. 
Knight,  President;  E.  R.  Lahman,  Secretary.  Manufactures  extension  table  slides 
and  center  tables.  Annual  output,  $50,000;  employ  forty  hands;  pay  roll  $25.000; 
factory  (brick)  3(5x70,  three  stories  high. 

Central  Furniture  Company.  Located  at  the  southeast  end  of  water 
power;  organized  in  1878;  capital,  $125,000.  Its  present  officers  are:  S.  A.  Johnson, 
President:  J.  R.  Anderson,  Vice-President;  Aug.  Peterson,  Secretary  and  Treasur- 
er. They  are  manufacturers  of  bookcases,  desks  and  extension  tables,  and  esti- 
mate their  annual  output  at  $150,000.  They  employ  140  hands,  with  an  annual  pay 
roll  of  $75,000.  The  size  of  its  factories  are  40x100,  40x70,  80x102,  four  stories  :  and 
50x52,  two  stories  high. 

Diamond  Furniture  Company.  Formed  in  March,  1890,  succeeding 
to  the  business  of  Fred  Bigalow.  They  manufacture  patent  office  chairs  and  other 
similar  Hues  of  furniture.  The  capital  stock  is  $50,00i),  and  the  officers  are  A.  F. 
Judd,  President:  and  Fred  A.  Dow,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  company 
employs  fifty  hand-,  with  an  annmil  pay  roll  of  $30,000,  and  turn  out  a  product 
aggregating  $60,000.  They  are  about  to  build  a  new  factory  in  Manning's  subdivision. 


Excelsior  Furniture  Company.  Organized  in  1881,  with  a  capital 
stock  of  $50,000.  The  present  officers  are  Thos.  D.  Reber,  President;  Aug.  Haegg, 
Yice-President ;  C.  F.  Salstrom,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  a  fine 
grade  of  parlor  furniture.  The  annual  output  is  $90,000.  They  employ  seventy- 
five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $35,000.  The  factory  is  of  brick  and  wood 
60x100  and  80x100,  three  stories  in  height,  with  an  engine  house  60x20. 

Forest  City  Furniture  Company.  Rockford's  pioneer  industry  in  the 
furniture  line.  The  business  was  established  in  1869  by  A.  C.  Johnson,  and  the 
present  company  was  incorporated  in  1875.  The  officers  are:  Gilbert  Woodruff, 
President;  R.  W.  Emereon,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  A.  C.  Johnson,  Superintend- 
ent A  general  line  of  furniture  and  office  desks  is  manufactured.  The  capital 
stock  of  the  company  is  $150,000.  The  plant  of  the  company  includes  four  large  four- 
story  brick  buildings,  with  a  floor  area  of  150,000  square  feet.  They  also  have  six 
acres  of  yard  room  for  lumber  storage.  They  employ  an  average  of  240  hands  and 
do  a  business  exceeding  $300,OTO  a  year. 

Illinois  Chair  Company.  Organized  in  April,  1891;  capital  stock  of 
$50,000,  with  R.  L.  McCullocb,  President;  G.  E.  Knight,  Secretary.  They  will  employ 
•200  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $100,000,  and  estimate  their  annual  output  at 
$200,000.  They  will  manufacture  a  fine  line  of  chairs.  The  main  building  will  be 
of  brick  135x65,  three  stories  high,  with  large  warehouse,  80x80,  three  stories. 

mechanics'  Furniture  Company.  Formed  in  the  spring  of  1890,  with 
the  following  officers:  L.  M.  Noling,  President;  John  Ek,  Vice  President;  Jonas 
Peters,  Secretary;  A.  P.  Floberg,  Treasurer;  Alfred  Kjerner,  superintendent.  Man- 
ufacture a  line  of  hall  trees,  desks,  book-cases  and  cabinets.  Capital,  $75,000; 
employ  eighty  bands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $40,000,  and  a  product  of  $125,000. 
The  factory  is  of  brick  and  frame,  located  at  the  corner  of  Seminary  Street  and  the 
C.  &  I.  crossing.  The  building  is  80x144  feet  in  size  and  four  stories  high. 

Phoenix  Furniture  Factory.  Located  at  the  corner  of  Fulton  and  Latham 
.Ave.,  North  End;  are  manufacturers  of  chamber  suits,  extension  tables,  and  chif- 
foniers :  organized  July  1st,  1890,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $50,000,  with  Ed.  H.  Marsh, 
President;  Geo.  Penfield,  Vice  President;  Chas.  E.Cohoe,  Secretary  and  Treasurer; 
•employ  100  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $36,500;  estimated  annual  output 
$125,000.  The  buildings  are  brick,  128x80,  four  stories  high  and  a  basement,  engine 
room  40x50. 

Rockford  Burial  Case  Company.  Located  corner  Peach  and 
Ogden  Streets.  Capital  stock,  $75,000.  L.  B.  Williams,  President;  W.  C.  Blinn, 
Tice-President;  C.  L.  Grout,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Company  organized  in 
1882.  They  manufacture  wood  and  cloth  finished  caskets.  Annual  product.  $75,000; 
•employ  thirty  hands,  with  a  pay  roll  yearly  of  $15,000;  factory  of  brick,  100x50  and 
50x50,  four  stories  and  basement. 

Rockford  Co-operative  Furniture  Company.  Located  at  the  corner 
of  Ninth  Street  and  Railroad  Avenue.  Capital  stock,  $50,000.  Present  officers: 
P.  A.  Peterson,  President;  C.  A.  Hult,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  C.  E.  Knudson, 
Superintendent.  They  manufacture  a  line  of  combination  and  cylinder  book-cases, 
sideboards,  tables  and  office  desks;  annual  output,  $175,000;  employ  135  hands,  with 
an  annual  pay  roll  of  $65,000.  The  factories  are  of  brick,  four  stories  high,  42x110, 
50x130,  with  engine  room  42x50. 


Rockford  Chair  and  Furniture  Company.  Organized  in  1882.  Cap- 
ital, $100,000.  The  officers  are:  Andrew  Kjellgren,  President;  Alex.  Johnson,  Vice- 
President:  Robert  C.  Lind,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Located  on  Railroad  Avenue; 
manufacture  a  line  of  book-cases,  ladies'  desks  and  fancy  furniture.  Their  plant 
includes  three  buildings,  50x150  four  stories,  100x100  four  stories,  and  an  office  and 
warehouse  50x150,  one  story  high.  They  employ  over  220  hands;  annual  pay  roll, 
$90.000,  and  their  product  exceeds  $225,000  yearly. 

Rockford  Cabinet  Company.  Organized  in  1880,  but  recently  moved  to 
the  West  End.  The  capital  stock  is  $50,000.  Present  officers:  Geo.  F.  Kellogg, 
President;  A.  D.  Early,  Vice  President;  Chas.  H.  Porter,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 
They  manufacture  a  fine  grade  of  wood  mantles,  and  give  employment  to  65  hands, 
with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $30.000,  and  produce  annually  875,000  worth  of  goods. 
The  factory  is  of  brick,  64x128,  four  stories  Men. 

RockJord  I)e*>k  and  Furniture  Company.  Located  on  Morth  Sec- 
ond Street,  in  the  Knightville  addition.  Capital,  $50,000.  The  officers  are:  A.  P. 
Floberg,  President:  Robert  Bauch,  Vice-President;  O.  Berquist,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer.  Manufacture  a  line  of  desks,  secretaries,  combination,  library  and 
extension  tables.  Their  annual  product  will  aggregate  $110.000;  employ  115  hands, 
with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $55,000.  Their  factory  building  is  brick  veneered,  65xl2O 
feet  in  size  and  four  stories  and  basement  high. 

Rockford  Mantel  and  Furniture  Company.  Incorporated  May  10, 
1890,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $100,000.  The  officers  are:  Alex.  Johnson,  President; 
P.  A.  Peterson,  Vice-President;  and  Louis  Sandine,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They 
manufacture  a  line  of  mantels  and  hall  trees,  and  produce  annually  $150,000  worth 
of  goods;  give  employment  to  125  men,  with  a  yearly  pay  roll  of  $75,000.  The  fac- 
tory is  of  brick  82x182,  three  stories  and  basement. 

Rockford  Standard  Furniture  Company.  Located  on  Railroad 
Avenue.  Capital  stock,  $75,000.  Officers  :  J.  A.  Lundgren,  President  ;  P.  H. 
Palmer,  Vice-President  and  Superintendent;  D.  R.  Peterson,  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer. The  company  was  organized  in  1887,  and  manufactures  a  line  of  sideboards, 
book-cases,  cabinets  and  secretaries:  employ  135  hands;  annual  product,  $150,000, 
with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $65,000.  Their  plant  includes  two  large  four-story  brick 
veneered  buildings,  respectively  66x125  and  97x115  feet  in  size. 

Rockford  Union  Furniture  Company.  Organized  in  1876.  Capital 
and  surplus,  $100,000.  Its  present  officers  are:  C.  F.  Anderson,  President;  C.  F. 
Blomberg,  Vice-President;  and  P.  A.  Peterson,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  are 
manufacturers  of  ladies'  cabinet  book-cases  and  pillar  tables,  and  do  an  annual 
business  of  over  $250,000  per  year;  employ  250  bands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of 
$125.000.  The  factory  is  of  brick  80x176  and  128x160,  three  stories  high. 


Furniture  Company.  Located  on  North  Third  Street,  and 
manufacture  a  line  of  hall-treee,  book-cases,  cylinder  desks,  secretaries  and  pillar 
extension  tables.  The  company  was  organized  in  1889,  with  a  capital  stock  of 
$75,000.  Present  officers:  P.  A.  Peterson,  President;  G.  Flodell,  Vice-President;  W. 
A.  Brolin,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  produce  annually  $150,000  worth  of 
goods.'and  give  employment  to  150  hands,  with  a  pay  roll  of  $72,000  per  year.  The 
buildings[are  of  brick,  64x128  and  64x128,  four  stories  and  a  basement  high. 

—  31  — 


Star  Furniture  Company.  Located  at  corner  of  Eighteenth  Avenue  and 
Fourteenth  Street :  manufacturers  of  combination  book  and  library  cases,  hall 
trees.  Capital  stock.  $100.01)0.  Its  present  officers  are  F.  G.  Hogland,  President; 
Anthony  Stenholm.  Yiee-President :  Aug.  P.  Floberg,  Treasurer;  P.  G.  Lundquist, 
Secretary ;  G.  L.  Wenerstrom,  Superintendent  They  employ  140  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay  roll  of  $60,000:  annual  product.  $125,000:  factory  is  built  of  brick  80x160, 
four  stories  high,  and  it  is  their  intention  to  build  this  summer  a  warehouse  80x160, 
four  stories  hiirh. 

West  End  Furniture  Company.  Located  corner  of  Factory  Street  and 
Johnson  Avenue:  organized  July  7.  1890.  with  a  capital  stock  of  $50,000.  Present 
officers  are:  B.  A.  Knight.  President;  O.  \V.  Haegg,  Vice  President  and  Secretary: 
Paul  Schuster,  Treasurer.  They  are  manufacturers  of  book-cases,  side-boards,  hall- 
trees,  tables  and  chiffoniers:  give  employment  to  150  hands,  with  an  annual  pay 
roll  of  $80,000,  and  estimate  their  output  at  $200, 000  per  year.  The  factory  is  80x144, 
five"  stories  and  basement  high,  and  built  of  brick. 


AGRICULTURAL  IMPLEMENTS. 


The  W.  F.  &  John  Barnes  Company.  The  business  was  first  estab- 
lished in  1871,  and  the  present  corporation  formed  in  1884.  The  officers  are  W. 
Fletcher  Barnes,  President :  B.Frank  Barnes,  Vice-President;  and  John  Barnes, 
Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Their  buildings  are  located  at  the  corner  of  Water  and 
Oak  Streets,  in  East  Rockford,  and  the  company  manufacture  foot,  hand  and  steam 
power  machinery  for  wood  and  iron  working;  lathes,  drills,  saws,  emery  grinders, 
and  various  specialties.  They  have  an  average  of  175  employes  on  their  pay-roll. 
Their:main  building  is  of  brick,  four  stories  high.  The  company  occupy  a  total  of 
nearly  an  acre  of  floor  area. 

II.  B.  Basing  &  Company.  Located  Race  Street,  water  power;  manu- 
facturers of  M.  C.  Thompson  sulky  cultivators,  hay-rakes,  lever  harrows,  plow 
jointers  and  coulters;  amount  of  capital  invested  $3,000.  They  employ  twelve 
hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $3,000.  Annual  output,  $15,000;  occupy  two  top 
floors,  80x120,  of  N.  C.  Thompson  building. 

Emerson,  Talcott  A;  Co.  This  concern  is  one  of  Rockford's  oldest  and 
most  reliable  firms,  having  been  first  established  in  1852;  incorporated  in  1876. 
They  manufacture  agricultural  implements,  and  produce  annually,  almost  one  mil- 
lion dollars'  worth  of  their  goods,  and  give  employment  to  350  hands,  with  au 
annual  pay-roll  of  $225,000.  The  factories  cover  two  and  one  half  acres  of  ground. 

Forest  Cily  Bit  and  Tool  Company.  This  firm  is  located  on  Kish- 
wnukee  Street,  and  has  a  capital  stock  of  $25,000.  Its  present  officers  are  L.  M. 
Xoling,  President;  A.  J.  Anderson,  Vice-President;  Auc.  Floberg,  Treasurer; 
Oscar  J.  F.  Larson,  Secretary.  They  manufacture  a  full  line  of  bits  and  wood 
boring  tools,  and  produce  annually  $50,000  worth  of  their  goods;  employ  twenty- 
five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $15,000.  The  factory  is  of  brick,  40x100,  three 
stories  high. 


,  Woodruff*  &.  Co.  The  manufacture  of  pumps,  windmills  and  elec- 
tric fire  alarm*  is  carried  on  at  Nos.  117  and  119  South  Court  Street,  and  was  estab- 
lished in  1874.  A  capital  of  $25,000  is  invested  in  the  business,  and  an  average  of 
fifteen  hands  are  employed.  The  business  transacted  will  aggregate  $40,000,  with 
an  annual  pay-roll  of  $6,000.  The  buildings  occupied  are  of  frame,  one  22x70,  two 
stories,  and  the  other,  22x50,  one  story  high. 

Rockford  Bolt  Work*.  Located  on  Mill  Street.  Capital  stock,  $20,030; 
company  was  organized  in  1877.  The  officers  are:  S.  B.  Wilkins,  President;  R.  H. 
Tinker,  Vice-President;  C.  R.  Wise,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  employ  sixty 
hands,  with  an  annnal  pay  roll  of  $40,030  The  business  runs  up  annually  into  six 
figures.  The  building  is  of  stone.  80x233,  two  stories  high. 

Rockford  manufacturing  Company.  Authorized  capital,  $200,030. 
John  A.  Johnson,  President;  L.  M.  Noling,  Vice-President;  Aug.  P.  Floberg,  Treas- 
urer; August  Lind,  Secretary;  incorporated  1889;  manufacturers  of  agricultural 
implements;  employ  sixty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $25,000;  factory,  220x 
175,  two  stories. 

Rockford  Neckyoke  Work*.  C.  Eugene  Sovereign  is  proprietor,  and 
manufactures  neckyokes,  axle  washers,  carriage  top  dressing,  harness  soap,  and 
other  specialties,  occupying  part  of  the  four-story  stone  building,  50x150  feet  in 
size,  located  at  640  South  Main  Street.  The  capital  invested  is  about  $10,000.  An 
average  of  twelve  hands  are  employed,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $7,000,  and  an  annual  pro- 
duct of  $25,000.  The  business  was  established  in  1880. 

Rockford  Plow  Company.  The  present  company  was  incorporated  in 
1883,  with  a  capital  of  $125,000.  The  officers  are  E.  L.  Woodruff,  President;  B.  A. 
Knight,  Vice-President;  T.  M.  Carpenter,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  com- 
pany's plant  is  located  on  Mill  Street,  on  the  water  power,  and  includes  a  main 
building  built  of  stone,  50x140  feet  in  size,  and  four  stories  high.  There  are  six 
other  buildings  for  warehouse  and  finishing  purposes.  The  company  employs  an 
average  of  seventy-five  men,  and  does  an  annual  business  of  $200,000.  Their  pay- 
roll averages  $80,000,  and  they  manufacture  plows,  planter?,  cultivators,  seeders 
and  other  agricultural  implements. 

Shoudy  manufacturing  Company.  The  business  is  conducted  by 
Israel  Shoudy,  with  an  invested  capital  of  $10,000,  and  was  established  in 
1888.  Tank  heaters,  feed  cookers,  grinders,  lawn  mower  attachments,  and  all  other 
specialties  are  manufactured,  with  a  force  of  ten  employes.  The  business  will  foot 
up  to  $10,000  a  year,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $3,000.  The  building  occupied  is  on  South 
Wyman  Street,  on  the  water  power,  is  of  frame,  30x60,  two  stories  high,  with  a 
30x40  wing. 

The  Skandla  Plow  Company.  Located  at  the  corner  of  Cedar  and 
South  Court  Stieets.  The  capital  stock  is  $125,000.  The  present  officers  and  direc- 
tors are:  P.  A.  Peterson,  President:  John  Peterson,  Vice  President;  J.  A.  Lund- 
jrren.  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  a  line  of  gang  and  sulky  plows, 
corn  planters,  check-rowers,  barrows  and  cultivators.  Annual  product,  $200,000, 
and  employs  eighty -five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $12,000.  Factory  45x100 
and  40x100,  three  stories  high,  with  blacksmith  shop  60x120,  and  warehouse  50x100. 

—  35  — 


Traliern  Puirp  Coinpaiiy.  This  is  one'of  Rockford's  strongest  institu- 
tions. The  business  was  originally  established  in  the  60'?,  but  was  reincorporated 
in  1888,  with  O.  P.  Trahern  as  President  and  John  A.  Lewis,  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer. Tbe  capital  paid  in  is  $120,000,  and  the  company  manufactures  a  complete 
line  of  iron  and  brass  pumps,  employing  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  hands  the 
year  round.  Their  plant  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Wyman  and  Mill  Streets,  on 
the  water  power,  and  embraces  a  three-story  stone  machine  shop,  42xt>2;  a  one- 
story  stone  foundry  40x115;  a  five-story  brick  office  and  warehouse  30x100;  a  two- 
story  iron  warehouse,  45x80,  and  a  brass  foundry  of  brick,  25x60  feet  in  size  and 
three  stories  high. 

Utter  manufacturing  Company.  This  concern  is  located  on  both  sides 
of  Race  Street  on  the  water  power.  The  capital  stock  of  the  company  is  $75,000, 
and  the  officers  are:  H.  B.  Utter,  President;  E.  M.  Utter,  Vice-President;  J.  M. 
Fraley,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  business  was  first  established  in  1848,  and 
incorporated  in  1876.  The  company  employs  an  average  of  fifty  hands  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  seeders,  cultivators,  and  a  general  line  of  agricultural  implements. 
Their  plant  includes  a  machine  shop  and  foundry,  of  stone,  one  and  three  stories 
high  and  42x120  feet  in  size;  a  pattern  and  blacksmith  shop,  of  brick,  30x120  feet 
and  three  stories  high;  also  five  warehouses,  embracing  about  25,000  feet  of  total 
floor  area. 

Ward  Pump  Company.  This  company  was  organized  in  1889,  with  a 
capital  stock  of  $59,000.  Its  present  officers  are:  Frank  Ward,  President;  G.  H. 
Stanley,  Vice-President;  F.  Lane,  Secretary;  M.  E.  Ward,  Treasurer.  They  manu- 
facture a  full  line  of  iron  pumps  and  cylinders,  and  produce  annually  $50,000  worth 
of  goods,  giving  employment  to  forty  men,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $20,000.  The 
factory  is  of  brick  and  wood,  covering  an  acre  of  ground. 

The  L.  A.  Weybnrn  Company.  This  incorporation  was  formed  in  1885, 
with  L.  A.  Weybnro  as  President,  and  Geo.  S.  Briggs,  Secretary.  They  manufac- 
ture blacksmiths'  supplies,  live  shrinkers,  screen  doors  and  hardware  novelties, 
and  occupy  several  buildings  on  the  water  power.  Their  capital  stock  is  $20,000, 
and  they  do  a  business  nearly,  if  not  quite,  aggregating  $100,000  per  annum.  They 
employ  an  average  of  thirty-five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $18,000.  Their 
main  building  is  50x140,  built  of  stone. 

A.  W.  Woodward.  The  business  was  established  in  1872,  and  a  line  of 
water  wheel  governors  and  machinery  specialties  is  made.  Tbe  capital  invested  is 
about  $7,000.  Three  employes  are  at  work,  and  the  pay-roll  aggregates  $2,000,  with 
an  annual  product  of  $3,000.  The  building  is  located  on  Mill  Street,  on  the  water 
power,  is  of  wood,  25x50  feet  in  size,  and  two  stories  high. 

—  37- 


MACHINE  SHOPS  AND    METAL    WORKERS. 


Charles  Andrews  &;  Co.  The  Andrews  wire  works  was  first  established  in 
1885,  and  in  December  1890  removed  to  their  new  building  in  the  West  End.  All 
kinds  of  wire  goods  are  turned  out,  and  the  business  represents  an  investment  of 
$6,000.  An  average  of  fifteen  hands  are  employed  with  a  pay  roll  of  $5,000  and  an 
annual  output  footing  up  to  over  $10,000.  There  are  two  frame  buildings,  one  30x60 
two  stories,  and  the  other  15x20  one  story  high. 

H.  G.  Dickinson  &  Co.  They  are  located  on  Race  street,  water  power,  and 
-do  a  general  jobbing  and  repair  business  of  all  kinds  of  machinery.  They  employ 
four  hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $2,500,  and  estimate  their  annual  business  at 
$4,000. 

A-  llaiiiinill.  The  business  of  this  brass  foundry  was  established  in  1890  in  a 
one  story  brick  and  frame  building  20x100,  located  on  Forbes  street,  on  the  water 
power.  Small  brass  castings  are  made,  and  the  business  will  foot  up  to  $2.500  a 
jear. 

Tin-  liigersoll  milling  machine  Company.  Located  in  Edgewater  Ad- 
dition; organized,  April  1891,  with  capital  stock  of  $80,000.  The  officers  are:  Win- 
throp  Ingersoll,  President;  R.  L.  McCulloch,  Secretary;  W.  H.  McCutchan, 
Treasurer.  They  manufacture  a  line  of  iron  milling  machinery,  and  estimate  their 
annual  output  at  $125,000.  They  employ  one  hundred  hands  with  an  annual  pay 
roll  of  $50,000.  The  factory  is  of  brick,  150x50,  two  stories  high. 

Lillibrldge  &  Fibacli.  Are  located  on  Race  street,  water  power;  capital 
invested  $6,000.  They  do  all  kinds  of  repairing  in  brass  and  metals,  and  also 
bicycles.  They  employ  twenty  hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $7,200,  and  do  a 
yearly  business  of  $18.000.  Factory  is  of  wood,  two  stories  high.  30x60. 

Love  Manufacturing  Company.  This  corporation  was  formed  in  1890, 
with  a  capital  of  $10,000,  and  does  a  general  machine  shop  business  both  in  iron  and 
wood,  and  also  conduct  a  foundry  for  light  and  heavy  castings.  Their  machine  shop 
is  of  frame,  40x50  feet  in  size  and  two  stories  high;  the  foundry  is  50x125.  one 
story.  The  company  employs  thirty  five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $20,000; 
the  business  of  the  concern  during  the  year  will  foot  up  to  $50,000. 

via  mi  Y  l.«'inoii  Juice  Extractor  Company.  This  company  is  located 
at  106  North  Church  street,  and  manufactures  a  novelty  in  the  shape  of  a  glass 
extractor  which  has  met  with  good  success,  and  the  firm  are  doing  a  nice  business 
annually.  Its  officers  are:  Win.  A.  Talcott,  President:  Win.  Lathrop  and  Jno.  P. 
Manny,  Vice-Presidents:  Miss  .!.  C.  Lathrop,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  com- 
pany was  organized  in  October,  1890,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $25,000. 

TOunsoii  manufacturing  Company.  The  company  was  formed  in 
Anirust  1MH»  with  a  capital  of  $3,000.  A.  M.  Munson  is  President,  George  S.  Briggs, 
Vice -President,  ami  1,.  A.  Weyburn.  Secretary.  They  occupy  a  one  story  frame 
building.  40x70,  located  on  South  Wyman  street  on  the  water  power.  The  company 
manufacture  barb  wire,  employing  three  men  and  turning  out  a  product  of  $18,000 a 
year.  The  pay  roll  is  about  $1.500  per  annum. 

-39- 


Barney  JlcCarren.  Boiler  maker;  capital  invested  $4,000;  employs .  five 
hands  with  animal  pay  roll  of  $3,500:  annual  product  $15,000. 

Tlie  Rook! brd  Brass  Work*.  Do  a  general  jobbing  business  of  bronze 
and  brass  castings.  Located  on  Mill  street,  water  power;  capital  stock  $10,000  B. 
E.  Trahern,  President;  F.  B.  Trahern,  Treasurer;  and  H.  Trahern,  secretary.  The 
company  was  organized  in  1890;  annual  product  $20,000,  employing  ten  hands; 
the  annual  pay  roll  amounts  to  $3,600:  size  of  factory  25x50,  three  stories  high,  built 
of  brick. 

Rockford  Electrical  vi;mufa<  luring  Company.  The  company  is 
located  at  the  corner  of  Grant  and  Fulton  avenues;  the  capital  stock  is  $100,000. 
Its  present  officers  and  directors  are:  C.  M.  Haven,  President;  E.  A.  Van  Wie,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer:  and  Geo.  A.  Mayo,  Superintendent.  They  manufacture  arc 
and  incandescent  dynamos  and  motors  and  railway  generators.  They  give  employ- 
ment to  eighty-five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $22,000,  and  produce  yearly 
$150,000  worth  of  goods.  The  factory  is  built  of  glass  and  wood  and  is  50x250  with 
L  24x48  and  engine  house  10x24,  one  story  high. 

The  Rockford  Machine  Company.  Is  located  at  904  Tenth  street:  has 
a  capital  stock  of  $10,000;  incorporated  in  1889.  Its  present  officers  are:  Chas.  A. 
Forsburg,  President  and  Superintendent;  \V.  F.  Noling,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 
They  are  manufacturers  of  special  machinery  for  woodwork;  they  do  an  annual 
business  of  $15,000,  and  give  employment  to  twelve  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll 
of  $6,000.  The  factory  is  22x65,  one  story  high. 

Rockford  Malleable  Iron  Works.  The  business  of  this  concern  was 
first  established  in  1854.  but  the  present  company  was  not  incorporated  until  1890. 
A.  D.  Forbes  is  President,  Harry  F.  Forbes,  Secretary;  and  George  Forbes,  Superin- 
tendent. The  company  turn  out  malleable  iron  castings  and  their  capital  stock  is 
$75,000.  They  occupy  several  brick,  stone  and  frame  buildings  at  the  corner  of 
Mill  and  Forbes  streets  on  the  water  power,  covering  an  area  of  25,000  square  feet, 
one  and  two  stories  high.  These  buildings  were  largely  rebuilt  in  1885.  The  com- 
pany employ  an  average  of  seventy-five  hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  about 
$32,000,  and  do  a  business  aggregating  $100,000  per  annum. 

The  Rockford  Steam  Boiler  Works.  Jas.  McCarren,  proprietor  Cap- 
ital invested  $4,000;  does  a  general  business  as  boiler-maker  and  repair  work 
amounting  to  $15,000  per  year;  employs  five  bands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $3,900: 
the  shop  is  40x80.  one  story  high  and  built  of  brick. 

Rockford  Tack  Company  was  organized  in  1874;  capital  stock  $40,000.  Its 
present  officers  are :  H.  W.  Price,  President;  Levi  Rhoades,  Vice  President;  Elias 
Cosper,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  Harry  Cosper,  Superintendent.  The  articles 
manufactured  are  tacks  and  small  nails.  They  employ  forty  hands;  annual  pay 
roll  f2,200.  The  present  factory  was  built  in  1877 and  is  composed  of  stone,  being 
40x96,  three  stories  high,  with  an  L  30x8i  two  stories  high.  They  do  a  businrs* 
annually  of  $100.000;  their  goods  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

James  Rogers.  The  Rockford  Galvanizing  Works  were  bought  by  the  pres- 
ent proprietor  in  March,  1890,  and  are  located  on  Race  street,  on  the  water  power. 
The  capital  invested  i>  *2..">m:  four  hands  are  employed  and  the  business  foots  up 
to  $5,000  a  year.  The  building  occupied  is  a  frame  structure  20x40  feet  in  size  and 
two  stories  hiirh  :  the  annual  pay  roll  is  about  $2.0)0. 

—  41  — 


ST.    MAKV-    «-. \TiinLir    <  nri:<  ii. 


Jolm  Spaffbrd  &  Co.,  manufacture  all  kinds  of  wire  goods;  John  Spafford 
«ole  proprietor;  capital  invested  $30,0;.).):  established  since  1876;  employs  twelve 
hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $9,600;  annual  output  $30,000.  The  factory  is 
located  at  201  and  203  North  Madison  street:  size  of  factory  42x80,  three  stories  and 
basement:  structure  of  stone. 

Savage  A.  Love.  This  firm  have  a  general  machine  shop  and  pattern-making 
industry  occupying  the  first  floor  of  the  four  story  stone  building  at  640  South  Main 
street.  They  have  an  invested  capital  of  810,000  and  do  an  annual  business  of 
$25,000:  they  employ  fifteen  hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  about  $7,500.  Their 
•establishment  is  50x100  feet  in  size,  and  the  firm  have  been  doing  business  since 
1878. 

Spengler  Brothers.  This  firm  opened  a  machine  shop  and  oxydized  brass 
business  February  1st,  1891.  They  occupy  the  second  floor  of  a  three  story  frame 
building  40x110  located  on  Race  street,  on  the  water  power;  their  capital  invested 
is  about  $4,000;  they  will  employ  about  twelve  hands  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of 
about  $6,000  and  a  business  of  $2<>,000  per  annum. 

Taylor  &  Worsley.  Do  general  jobbing  and  repair  of  iron  work.  Capital 
invested  $2.000:  organized  Dec.  1st,  1890,  and  are  located  on  Race  street,  water 
power;  estimated  out-put,  $8,000;  employ  two  hands;  size  of  shop  40x60,  one  story, 

Union  Foundry  and  machine  Company.  Located  on  Cedar  street, 
and  do  a  jobbing  business  of  all  kinds  of  ironcastings;  capital  invested  $25,000; 
Geo.  Peterson  &  Sons,  proprietors.  They  employ  thirty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay 
roll  of  $16,800;  annual  output  $40,'  00;  foundry  of  wood,  two  stories  high,  70x90. 

The  Van  Wie  C>as  Stove  Company.  This  company  is  another  of  Rock- 
ford's  latest  acquisitions,  having  moved  here  from  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  September 
1890.  They  manufacture  gas  heating  and  cooking  stoves  and  their  appliances;  have 
a  capital  stock  of  $40,000,  with  the  present  officers:  P.  G.  Van  Wie,  President;  Geo. 
S.  Roper.  Vice  President;  Geo.  D.  Roper,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  employ 
seventy-five  hands  at  an  annual  outlay  of  $30,000.  and  estimate  their  annual  output 
at  $200,000.  The  factory  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  and  is  located  at  the  corner  of 
Van  Wie  street  and  Huffman  Boulevard:  size  of  building  300x31S. 

—  43  — 


TRAHERN     PUMP    WORKS. 


!;<>.  KFuKI)     T.\«  K     «(>MI'ANY     PLANT. 


COTTON,  WOOL,  PAPER  AND  KNITTING 
MILLS. 


Forest  City  Knitting  Co.  This  company  was  organized  in  November 
1890,  with  a  capital  stock  of  160,000,  with  Wm.  Nelson;  President;  Oscar  Nelson, 
Vice-President;  F.  F.  Nelson,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  a  line 
of  fine  ladies'  and  gentlemen's  cotton  hosiery,  and  produce  annually  over  $200.000 
worth.  They  employ  one  hundred  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $25,000.  The 
factory  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  200x39,  with  an  L  106x39. 

Globe  Clothing  Company.  This  concern  is  located  at  the  corner  of 
Sixth  Street  and  Eleventh  Avenue,  and  was  incorporated  December  13,  1889,  with  a 
capital  of  $50,000.  The  directors  are:  August  Lunduerg,  President:  C.  A.  Gustaf- 
son,  Vice-President:  Axel  Rydberg,  Secretary;  Aug.  P.  Floberg,  Treasurer;  C.  J. 
Dahlin,  Gust  Lindblade,  Gust  Holm,  Levin  Eksell,  directors.  They  employ  forty, 
live  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $13,500,  and  their  product,  will  foot  up  to 
$75,000.  Their  building  was  erected  in  1890,  is  built  of  bric-k,  57x100  feet  in  size 
and  three  stories  high. 

Graham  Cotton  71  ill*.  This  company  was  organized  in  1865.  The  capi- 
tal stock  is  $150,000,  with  G.  A.  Sanford,  President;  and  Freeman  Graham,  Jr.,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  carpet  warp,  cotton  towels,  cotton  bat- 
ten, and  seamless  socks,  and  produce  annually  $450,000;  employ  145  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  of  $60,000.  They  occupy  three  large  factories  on  the  water  power. 
The  company  also  have  large  cotton  and  paper  mills  at  Rock  Island,  employing  600 
hands. 

The  Nelson  Knitting  Company.  Located  on  water  power.  This  com- 
pany was  organized  in  1880.  'J  he  capital  stock  is  $160,000.  Antes  Rub],  Secretary 
and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  a  line  of  seamless  cotton  hosiery,  and  manufac- 
ture over  1,500,000  dozen  pairs  annually.  The  factories  cover  two  acres  of  ground. 
They  employ  400  hands,  and  do  a  business  of  over  $800,000  a  year. 

Henry  W.  Price,  Glove  Works.  Business  established  in  1862;  located 
•corner  of  Wyman  and  Peach  Streets,  in  two  three-story  frame  buildings;  manufac- 
ture tanned  leather  gloves ;  product  of  factory,  $200, ^XX);  total  business,  $500,000  a 
year;  employ  140  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $75,000. 

IChoades,  Utter  &  Co.  This  is  a  corporation  formed  in  1890,  and  suc- 
ceeding to  the  paper  mill  and  jobbing  business  of  Rhoades  &  Utter,  established  in 
1865.  The  officers  are:  Levi  Rhoades,  President;  C.  M.  Utter,  Vice  President;  and 
M.  B.  St.  John,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  seven  tons  of  straw 
wrapping  paper  a  day,  footing  up  to  $46,000  a  year.  They  employ  thirty  hands, 
with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $15,000.  Their  plant  is  located  on  Mill  Street,  on  the 
water  power.  They  occupy  three  buildings:  one  two  story  and  basement,  frame, 
40x64;  one  two  story  and  basement,  stone,  40x62;  one  one-story  frame  warehouse, 
35x65. 

1C  or  k  lord  Linen  Fibre  Company.  Organized  June  1891.  Capital 
stock  $100,000.  Will  manufacture  paper  pulp  in  the  Keeney  paper  mill  plant; 
will  employ  about  forty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $22,000.  They>stimate 
their  annual  product  at' $200,000. 

—  45- 


H.   H.   PALMER  &  CO.,   CHURN  FACTORY. 


INGERSOLL    MILLING    MACHINE    CO.    (1891). 


Hocklbrd  Clothing  Company.  This  concern  was  formed  in  1887.  The- 
officers  are  Antes  S.  Ruhl,  President;  A.  D.  Early,  Vice-President :  and  A.  L.  Brear- 
ley,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  capital  stock  is  $30,000,  and  the  company  manu- 
factures men's  clothing  to  order  and  for  the  jobbing  trade.  They  employ  nearly 
one  hundred  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $30,000,  and  do  a  business  aggrega- 
ting •?  150, 000  a  year.  Their  building  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  located  at  the 
corner  of  Church  and  Chestnut  Streets.  It  was  built  in  1838,  is  32x132  feet  in  s'ze, 
with  an  extensive  wing. 

Rockford  iHittcn  a  ml  Hosiery  Company.  Located  on  South  Wyman 
and  Cedar  Streets.  They  are  manufacturers  of  woolen  mittens  and  hosiery,  with  a 
capital  stock  of  $150,000.  The  company  was  organized  in  1881,  but  was  reorgan- 
i/i-d  in  1885.  The  officers  are:  Wm.  Ziock,  President  and  Treasurer;  W.  A.  Talcott, 
Vice-President  ;W.  H.  Ziock,  Secretary ;  directors— Wm.  Ziock,  W.  A.  Talcott,  W.  H. 
Ziock,  Falph  Emerson,  Wm.  Walton,  Oscar  Nelson,  and  A.  S.  Ruhl.  They  employ 
145  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  amounting  to  $42,000.  The  annual  product  is 
$300,000.  The  building  is  180x180,  three  stories  high,  the  structure  being  frame. 

S.  B.  Ylilkiii*  Company.  Manufacture  full  line  of  yarns  and  hosiery,  at 
corner  of  South  Wyman  and  Cedar  Streets;  company  organized  January  1,1884, 
with  a  paid  up  capital  of  $150,000.  The  officers  are  S.  B.  Wilkins,  President:  John 
W.  Hart,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  Geo.  S.  Wilkins,  Assistant  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer; employ  300  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $90,000.  Value  of  yearly  pro- 
duct aggregates  $450,000.  Buildings  are  of  brick  and  wood,  two  and  three  stories 
high,  and  include  35,000  square  feet  of  floor  area.  They  were  built  in  1881  for  S  B. 
Wilkins  <fe  Co  ,  who  were  succeeded  by  the  present  corporation. 

Rockford  Overall  Manufacturing  Company.  Located  G40  South 
Main  Street.  Levi  Rhoades,  President;  B.  F.  Lee,  Vice  President;  Geo.  L.  Irvine, 
Secretary  and  Treasurer.  This  firm  make  a  general  line  of  working  men's  goods, 
consisting  of  overalls,  pants,  jackets,  shirts,  etc.;  employ  seventy  hands;  factory, 
50x150,  two  floors. 

Hook  ford  Suspender  Company.  (Successors  to  J.  N.  Faust).  Company 
was  incorporated  January  1,  1891,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $520,000.  Its  present  offi- 
cers are  D.  F.  Sullivan,  President;  J.  F.  Ogilby,  Vice-President ;  J.  N.  Faust,  Secre- 
tary and  Treasurer.  They  are  manufacturers  of  suspenders,  braces  and  hose  sup- 
porters. They  employ  thirty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $15,000,  and  estimate 
their  annual  output  at  $120,000;  size  of  factory.  40x80,  one  floor,  and  located  corner 
of  North  Madison  and  Market  Streets. 

Rockford  Woolen  mills  Company.  The  business  was  first  estab- 
lished in  1863  by  John  and  William  Dyson.  The  present  company  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1883,  and  the  officers  are:  R.  P.  Lane,  President;  Jeremiah  Davis,  Vice  Presi- 
dent; William  Dyson,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  wool,  flannels, 
yarns  and  shawls.  They  have  about  forty  operatives,  turning  out  a  product  of 
$40,000  a  year,  with  a  pay-roll  aggregating  $15,000.  Their  plant  includes  three 
buildings.  Their  main  structure  is  32xC2,  four  stories  high  ;  machine  room  30x50, 
three  stories;  warehouse  25x50,  two  stories.  All  are  of  frame  and  located  on  Mill 
Street,  on  the  Water  Power. 

Henry  Ulrici.  The  business  of  manufacturing  paper  boxes  was  established 
in  1864.  and  is  now  conducted  in  a  two-story  and  basement  frame  building,  40x100 
feet,  built  in  1U37,  and  situated  at  No.  10C8  Mulberry  Street.  1  he  capital  invested  in 
the  business  is  about  $8,000,  and  an  average  of  twenty  hands  are  employed. 

A<*   


<mr»F,     COMPANY     FACTORY. 


ROCKFORD     BURIAL     CASE     COMPANY     FACTORY. 


MISCELLANEOUS  INDUSTRIES. 


Royal  Sewing  Machine  Company.  This  company  is  one  of  Rock- 
ford's  greatest  factories.  The  company  was  organized  July  1890,  and  commenced 
operation  February  1,  1891.  Its  capital  stock  is  $100,000,  with  officers  as  follows: 
John  Budlong.  President;  P.  A.  Peterson.  Vice-President :  S.  S.  Budlong,  Treas- 
urer; Jno.  A.  Bowman,  Secretary.  They  employ  200  hands,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $120,000,  and  estimate  their  annual  product  at  $1,000,000.  The  factory  is  of 
brick,  and  one  of  the  few  which  have  made  any  attempt  at  architectural  beauty.  It 
is  544xJ4.  two  stories  high,  with  engine  room,  50x62. 

W.  W.  Swiuyer.  Manufactures  rubber  stamps  and  office  novelties, 
rear  of  post  office.  The  business  was  established  in  1883:  occupies  two  rooms 
in  a  three-story  brick  building.  Employs  three  hands.  Invested  capital.  $1.000. 
Annual  product,  $5,500. 

J.  E.  Atchison.  Capital  invested,  $3,500.  Employs  seven  hands,  with  a 
pay-roll  annually  of  $3,000;  product,  $7,000;  does  a  general  carriage  business  and 
wagon  trade. 

O.  E.  Burrows'  cigar  factory  is  at  220  South  Main  Street,  occupying  part 
of  a  three-story  brick  block.  Five  men  are  employed,  with  an  annual  product  of 
310,000.  The  pay-roll  runs  about  $3,500  per  annum. 

R.  Aiiglemire.  Located  on  North  Wyman  Street:  manufacturer  of  boots 
^nd  shoes;  established  since  1873.  Capital  invested,  $15,000;  employs  thirty  hands, 
with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $15,000:  produce  yearly  $10,000.  Factory  23x50,  three 
stories  high,  and  built  of  stone. 

Avery  Building  and  Ittoving  Company.  This  company  do  a  general 
moving  business.  Capital  stock,  $10,000:  C.  M.  Avery,  President;  Chas.  Shedd,  Secre 
tary.  They  employ  during  the  season  from  fifty  to  two  hundred  men,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  of  $15.000,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  $35,000. 

Air     Brush    JTIanufac Curing    Company.     Located    at  119     and    127 

North  Main  Street.  This  company  was  organized  in  April  1883,  and  its  capital  is 
$50,000,  with  the  following  officers :  L.  Walknp,  President:  L.  B.  Gregory,  Vice- 
President;  W.  W.  Bennett,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  Will  Bennett,  Assistant  Sec- 
retary. They  manufacture  Mr.  Walkup's  patent  air  brush,  pantagraphs,  etc.,  and 
•do  nickel  plating.  Twelve  hands  are  employed,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $5,500. 
The  company  doe«  a  business  of  $20,000  a  year,  and  occupies  the  second  story  of  a 
handsome  brick  building,  80x100  feet  in  size.  An  art  school  for  air  brush  students 
is  connected. 

A.  L,.  Bart lett.  Elevator,  feed  mill  and  warehouse,  No.  506  Cedar  Street. 
Business  established  in  1856.  Capital  invested,  $20,000.  Main  building  built  1870, 
30x50  feet  in  size.  Three  warehouses  also  connected.  Main  buildings  of  wood  and 
iron,  two  stories  high.  Employs  seven  hands,  with  an  average  annual  pay-roll  of 
.§4.000.  The  average  business  in  the  manufacturing  line  aggregates  $25,000. 

—  49  — 


J.    G.    Cliiek  Milling  Company.    This    company  was  incorporated    in 

January  1889.  with  a  capital  of  $100,000.  The  officers  are  J.'.G.  Chick,  President;  F. 
A.  Chick,  Vice  President;  J.  B.  Antes,  Secretary:  F.  L.  Chick,  Treasurer.  They 
manufacture  all  kinds  of  flour  and  feed,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  $350,000, 
employing  twenty-five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $15,000.  The  mill  was 
first  built  in  1854,  since  which  date  several  additions  have  been  added. 

Blakeman  A  Dobson  Manufacturing  Company.  The  business 
was  established  in  1880  by  Blakeman  &  Dobson,  who  incorporated  nnder  the  pres- 
ent title  in  1883.  Benjamin  Blakeman  is  President  and  Wm.  Dobson  Secretary  of 
the  company.  They  operate  a  planing  mill  and  manufacture  barrel  churns.  The 
capital  stock  is  $30,000,  and  they  employ  an  average  of  fifty  hands,  with  a  pay-roll  of 
$25,000.  They  do  a  business  of  $90, 000, a  year.  Their  plant  is  located  at  the  corner 
of  Pleasant  and  Cedar  Streets.  Their  main  building  is  50x80  feet  in  size,  and  a 
machine  room  40x70;  both  buildings  are  four  stories  high. 

The  Brown  Brick  Company.  This  .company  has  a  capital  stock  of 
$10,000.  Its  present  officers  are  Sam'l  Ennett,  President ;  C.  J.  Jones,  Secretary. 
They  manufacture  a  line  of  fine  white  brick.  Annual  product,  $15,000;  give  employ- 
ment to  twenty  employes,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $9,360. 

Connors'  Lime  Kiln.  John  Connors,  Proprietor.  He  has  $8,000  capital 
invested,  and  employs  fourteen  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  amounting  to 
$7,200,  and  does  an  annual  business  of  $18,000. 

S.  B.  Hendrlcks  conducts  a  planing  mill  on  Race  Street  on  the  water 
power,  and  also  manufactures  wooden  water  tanks.  The  business  was  estab- 
lished in  July  189),  with  an  investment  of  $4,000.  A  business  of  $10,000  a  year  is 
now  being  done  by  an  average  of  eight  employes,  and  a  pay-roll  of  $3,500.  The 
mill  building  is  60x100,  with  stuccoed  exterior,  and  is  one  story  high. 

Hess  A  Hopkins'  Leather  Company.  Tannery  located  at  foot  of 
Acorn  Street;  office  and  warehouse,  515  West  State  Street.  Business  first  estab- 
lished in  1875;  present  company  incorporated  in  1882,  with  a  capital  of  $50,000. 
Samuel  N.  Jones,  President;  L.  M.  Hess,  Vice-President;  T.  F.  Hopkins,  Secre- 
tary and  Treasurer.  The  company  does  a  business  of  tanning  harness  leather,  and 
manufacture  horse  collars  and  fly-nets.  Their  main  building  is  93x112,  built  of 
frame,  and  mainly  four  stories  high.  It  was  built  in  1882  and  added  to  in  1887-89-91 . 
The  company  employs  sixty-five  men,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $37,000,  and  does  a 
business  exceeding  $130,000  a  year. 

The  T.  J.  Derwcnt  Company.  This  company  was  organized  in  1865; 
incorporated  1890,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $10,000.  Its  present  officers  are:  T.  J. 
Derwent,  President:  Tbos.  Derwent,  Vice-President;  Luther  Derwent,  Secretary 
and  Treasurer.  They  are  manufacturers  of  doors,  sash,  blinds,  stair-work  and 
moulding-,  and  employ  twenty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $12,000;  annual 
product,  $50,000.  Factory  is  located  south  end  water  power,  built  of  wood,  and  is 
30x100,  two  stories  high. 

The  Excelsior  Dry  Plate  Company.  This  firm  is  located  at  No.  122 
South  Second  Street.  Capital  stock,  $4.500.  Present  officers  are:  P.L.Wright, 
President:  Henry  Shedd,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  and  produce  annually  $15,000 
worth  of  their  goods.  They  employ  seven  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of 

:  factory  is.  of  wood.  40x60.  two  stoiies  high. 

—  51  — 


HOCK  FORD    PAINT  COMPANY 


Dewey's  Steam  Laundry.  W.  E.  Dewey,  proprietor.  Capita1  involved, 
$2,500.  The  business  amounts  to  $10,000  per  year;  employs  eight  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  of  $3,200.  The  building  is  30x76,  one  story  high. 

Eugene  Ford.  Manufacturer  of  all  kinds  of  light  carriages,  and  factory 
located  206  North  Wyman  Street;  amount  of  capital  invested.  $4,000,  and  estimates 
his  annual  output  at  $12,000;  gives  employment  to  eight  hands,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $>,000.  The  factory  is  a  frame  structure,  44x70  in  size,  two  stories  high 

<;  rah  a  m's  Distillery.  This  firm  consists  of  Julius,  Freeman  and  Byron 
Graham,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $150,000.  They  manufacture  sour  mash  whiskies. 
The  annual  product  is  $300.000.  They  employ  forty-five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $30,000. 

A.  lliine.  Manufacturer  of  barrels;  located  810  Ninth  Street.  Capital  invest- 
ed, $15,000,  and  does  an  annual  business  of  $30,000;  gives  employment  to  fifteen 
hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $10,000.  The  factories  are  frame,  two  stories 
high,  32x50,  24x50,  30x60,  and  24x50. 

Knapp  Shoe  Company.  This  factory  is  one  of  Rockford's  recent  acqui- 
sitions, having  moved  here  "from  Brockton,  Mass.  They  are  manufacturers  of 
gente'  fine  shoes.  The  capital  stock  is  $75,000.  They  estimate  their  annual  output  at 
$£J5,000;  will  employ  125  hands,  with  annual  pay-roll  of  $75,000.  The  factory  will 
be  1 14x26,  three  stories  high. 

T.  J.  Ryan  Packing  House.  Located  on  water  power.  Employ  four- 
teen hands,  and  do  a  business  of  $40,000  per  annum,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $6,000;  will 
build  a  huge  packing  house  this  year  on  east  bank  of  the  river. 

The  Rockford  Shoe  Company.  This  factory  is  located  on  North 
Wyman  Street,  and  are  manufacturers  of  men's  fine  shoes.  The  capital  stock  is 
$60,000.  The  present  officers  are  A.  C  Deming,  President;  J.  W.  Irvin,  Vice-Presi- 
dent:  S.  C.  Tribon,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  company  has  been  organized  since 
August  1880,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  $250,000.  They  give  employment  to  115 
hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $50,000.  The  factory  is  built  of  stone  and  is  53x88, 
four  stories  high. 

Rockford  Paint  Manufacturing  Company.  Is  located  on  Railroad 
Avenue.  The  capital  stock  is  $8,000.  B.  A.  Knight  is  President,  and  C.  Lund, 
Secretary.  They  are  manufacturers  of  all  kinds  of  paints,  and  do  a  business  an- 
nually of  $12,000;  give  employment  to  five  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $5,000. 
The  factory  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  40x120. 

Rockford  Oatmeal  Company.  Manufacturers  of  oatmeal  and  Nuda- 
vene  flakes.  Located  at  corner  of  Cedar  and  West  Streets.  Organized  1882.  Rob't 
H.  Tinker,  President;  Geo.  H.Cormack,  Vice  President  and  Superintendent;  Frank 
C.  King,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Capital,  $120,000.  Average  annual  product, 
$750,000.  Employs  eighty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $30,000.  Main  mill 
built  1887,  of  brick,  70x120  feet  in  size,  and  four  stories  high;  warehouse,  brick, 
64x74  feet,  four  stories  high. 

Rockford  Lubricating  Company.  Organized  July  1889,  with  a  capital 
of  $10,000.  John  Spafford,  President;  Miss  Anna  L.  Hull,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 
Estimated  output,  $30,000;  manufacture  axle  grease,  lubricating  and  coach  grease; 
employ  six  hands,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $4,860  annually:  size  of  factory,  42x100  feet, 
two  floors. 

-f3  — 


Roch ford  Dry  Plate  Company.  Located  at  319  W.  Slate  street.  Capi- 
tal stock,  $3,000.  B.  F.  Greene,  Manager;  do  an  annual  business  amounting  to 
515,000;  employ  eight  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $3,000. 

Rocklord  Construction  Company.  This  is  a  Rockford  co-partnership, 
composed  of  Jones.  Woodruff  &  Co.,  W.  C.  Butterworth,  Watson  Pierpont,  D.  E. 
Mead,  A.  W.  Rutledge.  and  others.  They  are  general  contractors  in  the  line  of 
bridge  building,  paving,  water  works,  construction  and  also  operate  brick  yards  at 
Rock  Island.  The  business  was  established  in  1888,  and  the  firm  employ  from  one 
hundred  to  one  thousand  hands.  Their  operations  in  1890  exceeded  half  a  million 
dollars. 

The  Rockford  Baking  Company.  Located  Race  Street,  water  power, 
•was  organized  December  10,  1889.  with  a  capital  stock  of  $25,000;  manufacture 
crackers  and  cookies  of  all  kinds.  J.  W.  Bartlett,  President:  D.  G.  Spaulding, 
Tice-President;  C.  E.  Eskelsen,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Annual  product, 
W), 000;  employ  thirty  hands;  pay-roll  per  year,  $12,000.  Factory,  frame  building, 
40x75,  three  stories  high. 

H.  If.  Palmer  dc  Company.  Manufacturers  of  churns,  creameries, 
cooperage  and  general  dairy  articles.  Located  at  corner  of  Cedar  and  Winnebago 
Streets.  Business  established  in  1879.  Capital  invested,  $50,000;  employ  about 
seventy  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $27,000  The  average  annual  product  is 
$75,000.  Main  factory  building  is  of  wood,  75x132  feet  in  size,  and  two  stories  high, 
•with  warehouse  34x73,  on  opposite  side  of  the  street. 

marsh  ITIitre  Machine.  H.  C.  Marsh,  manufacturer.  This  machine  is  a 
mitre  and  picture  frame  vise  combined.  Annual  output,  $20,000;  employs  fifteen 
bands,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $8,000. 

John  IHcDerirald.  Manufacturer  of  the  Boss  and  Star  Churns,  also  dog 
powers.  Factory  located  at  212  to  220  North  Madison  Street.  Capital  invested, 
$40,000.  Annual  output,  $40,000;  employs  thirty -hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll 
amounting  to  $12,000;  business  established  in  1871 ;  factory  of  wood,  33x66,  36x66, 
22x66,  two  stories  high  and  £3x66,  four  stories  high. 

Novell's  Meam  Laundry.  Located  on  North  Wyman  Street.  Capital 
invested,  $20,000:  do  an  annual  business  of  $16,000,  and  give  employment  to  fifteen 
hands,  with  au  annual  pay-roll  of  $5,000;  two-story  building,  40x150. 

KaiiH'man  Bros.  Cigar  makers:  located  at  120  South  Main  Street,  and 
have  been  established  since  1885.  They  employ  six  hands,  with  an  annual  output 
of  $16000.  Their  annual  pay-roll  is  $3,500;  capital  invested,  $5,000. 

Larson  &  Lnndslrom.  This  firm  started  a  planing  mill  in  October,  1889, 
in  a'one-story  building,  40x75.  on  South  Wyman  Street,  on  the  water  power.  They 
turn  out  mouldings,  scroll  work,  and  other  house  ornamentation,  and  are  doing  a 
business  of  $12,000,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $4,000.  They  will  employ  about  ten 
hands,  with  an  invested  capital  of  $3,000. 

Rockford  SiiufTand  Tobacco  Company.  Is  located  on  Woodruff 
Avenue.  Capital  invested,  $2,000.  Its  officers  are:  Chas.  J.  Nelson,  President; 
€has.  J.  Jones,  Secretary;  C.  J.  Anderson,  Superintendent.  They  manufacture  all 
kinds  of  snuff,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  $5,000,  and  employ  two  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  of  $1,500.  The  factory  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  34x30. 

—  55  — 


ROCKFORD  CHAIR   AND   FURNITURE  COMPANY 


«  UMAX  SLIDE  AND  CENTER  TABLE  COMPANY. 


Rockford  Silver  Plate  Company.  This  company  is  located  corner  of 
Elm  and  Wyman  Streets.  The  capital  stock  is  $125,000;  surplus,  $50,000.  The  offi- 
cers are:  H.  W.  Price,  President:  A.  D.  Forbes,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Kelley,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer;  A.  C.  Kelley,  Assistant  Secretary.  The  company  was  organ- 
ized in  1882,  coming  from  Racine,  Wis.  They  manufacture  all  kind;?  of  silver  plate 
goods,  and  do  a  business  annually  of  $225,000.  They  employ  140  hands,  with  an  an- 
nual pay-roll  of  $60.000.  The  factory  is  of  brick,  90x175,  four  stories  high. 

The  Rockford  Specialty  manufacturing*  Company.  Located  at 
418  Cedar  Street.  They  manufacture  a  line  of  jacket  oil-cans,  flour  sifters,  and 
flour  casks  G.  W.  Lane,  sole  proprietor.  He  does  an  annual  business  of  $10,000, 
and  employs  seven  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $2,800.  The  factory  is  of 
brick,  45x60,  two  stories  high. 

Rockford  Watch  Company.  This  is  perhaps  the  city's  largest  indus- 
trial concern,  and  was  incorporated  in  1874.  The  present  directors  are:  Henry  W. 
Price,  President:  William  Lathrop,  Vice-President;  G.  E.  Knight,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer:  Levi  Rhoades,  Israel  Sovereign,  H.  B.  Utter,  W.  H.  McCutchan,  Peter 
Sames,  J.  S.  1  icknor,  and  Irvin  French.  The  capital  stock  is  $28°,200,  and  the 
company  has  also  a  cash  surplus  of  $60,000.  They  manufacture  a  complete  line  of 
the  celebrated  Rockford  watch  movements,  and  have  an  average  of  399  operatives. 
Their  annual  product  will  foot  up  to  $600,000,  and  their  pay-roll  aggregates  nearly 
$250,000.  The  buildings  the  company  occupies  were  built  in  1875-76,  and  are  loca- 
ted on  South  Madison  Street,  on  the  East  Side.  They  include  one  four  stories  high, 
40x75  feet  in  size,  another  is  40x61,  three  stories  and  basement.  There  is  also  a 
large  engine  and  boiler  room,  and  other  buildings,  all  of  which  are  handsomely 
and  substantially  constructed  of  brick  and  stone. 

Rockford  Watch  Case  Company.  Located  at  11M16  South  Main 
street.  Manufacture  and  repair  watch  cases,  etc.  The  company  was  organized  in 
1872,  and  has  a  paid  up  capital  of  $70.000.  Mr.  J.  S.  Ticknor  is  President,  John 
Barnes,  Vice-Pres'dent;  and  A.  K.  Ticknor,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  com- 
pany occupies  half  of  a  two  story  stone  and  brick  building,  66x156  feet  in  size  and 
with  boiler  house  in  rear.  The  company  averages  sixty  employes,  with  a  pay-roll 
of  $2,000  a  month,  and  an  annual  product  of  $50,000. 

Peter  Sames.  Located  at  corner  of  Cedar  and  Church  Streets;  manufac- 
tures wagons  of  all  kinds.  Business  established  in  1858,  with  an  invested  capital 
of  $25,000.  Present  factory  built  in  1870,  is  of  wood  and  brick,  covering  a  total  area 
of  110x165  feet,  one,  two  and  three  stories  high;  employs  about  twenty-five  hands, 
with  an  annual  product  of  $30,000.  The  annual  pay-roll  aggregates  $12,000. 

Searle  Son*  &  Company.  Co-partnership,  consisting  of  R.  P.  Searle,  Ed. 
Scarle,  and  C.  E.  Bennett,  successors  to  Searle-Bishop  Lubricating  Co.,  located  222. 
North  Madison  street;  capital  invested,  $10,003;  organized  November  1K90:  manu- 
facture "Monarch"  Axle  Grease  and  Lubricating  Oils;  annual  product,  $20.000; 
employ  six  hands,  with  annual  pay-roll  of  $3,200.  Factory  of  wood,  36x100,  two 
stories  high. 

Z.  B.  Sturtevant.  Proprietor  of  the  Rockford  Flour  Mills,  located  on 
Mill  street  on  the  water  power.  Capital  invested,  $75,000:  manufactures  wheat  and 
rye  flour  and  feed.  Employs  ten  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $7,000.  Annual 
product,  $90,000.  Mill  is  built  of  stone.  40x60  feet  in  size  and  four  stories  high; 
warehouse  adjoining. 

-57  — 


The  Star  Steam  Laundry.  Hamley  &  Hazard  proprietors.  Capital 
invested,  $2,500.  The  business  amounts  to  $8,000  per  year;  employs  seven  hands, 
with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $2,700.  The  building  is  one  story  and  basement. 

Superior  Brick  Co.  Thi*  company  is  located  just  north  of  the  city  limits; 
its'capital  stock  is  $20,000:  with  E.  H.  Keeler,  President;  W.  C.  Butterworth,  Vice- 
President;  H.  A.  Block,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  do  a  business  annually  of 
$25,000,  and  employ  fifteen  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $10,000. 

Skaiidia  Brick  Company.  Capital  stock,  $15.000.  Gust.  Flodell,  President; 
•C.  J.  Jones,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Manufactures  red  brick,  and  with  aunual 
product,  $30,000.  Employ  an  average  of  fifty-five  hands,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $15,0*10. 

Swiss  Steam  Laundry.  This  firm  consists  of  S.  S.  Brambaugh  and  Robt. 
H.  Corse.  The  business  is  located  at  119  North  Main  street.  They  do  an  annual 
business  amounting  to  $9,000,  and  give  employment  to  eleven  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  amounting  to  $2,500.  The  size  of  laundry  is  22x107.  one  story  high. 

Douglas  Ulrici.  Book  binder.  Capital  invested,  $3,000.  Annual  out-put, 
$JO,000:  employs  seven  hands,  with  annual  pay-roll  of  $3,000. 

Chas.  J.  \Veldon.  Located  at  301  and  303  South  Main  street,  and  manufac- 
tures all  kinds  of  carriages  and  wagons.  Capital  invested,  $5,000.  Employs  twelve 
hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $5,000,  and  does  an  annual  business  amounting  to 
$30,000.  Factory  is  a  three  story  frame  building,  40x40,  with  a  blacksmith  shop 
22x40. 

L.  in.  West  manufacturing  Company.  They  are  manufacturers  of 
carriage  top  dressing  and  harness  soaps.  Capital  stock  $40,000.  The  officers  are, 
L.  M.  West,  President;  E.  S.  West,  Vice-President ;  H.  H.  West,  Secretary.  They 
-employ  ten  hands  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $5,000,  and  do  a  large  business. 

Skandia  Shoe  manufacturing  Company.  Is  located  corner  of  Fifth 
•street  and  Seventh  avenue;  was  organized  July,  1889,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $50,000. 
Its  present  officers  are,  Aug.  P.  Floberg,  President;  G.  W.  Swanson,  Vice-President. 
N.  P.  Nelson,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  manufacture  men's  and  ooys*  fine 
«hoes,  and  give  employment  to  fifty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay  roll  of  $25,000.  The 
annual  product  is  $80,000.  The  factory  is  built  of  brick,  40x100,  four  stories  high 
•with  engine  room  40x30. 


SEMI-MUNICIPAL    INSTITUTIONS. 


Rockford  City  Railway  Company.  Reorganized  in  1890.  Capital, 
$150,000;  R.  N.  Baylies,  President;  G.  W.  Carse,  Secretary.  Operate  twelve  miles 
of  electric  railway,  with  sixteen  cars.  Employ  fifty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $25.000. 

West  End  Street  Railway  Company.  Organized  1890.  Capital, 
$30,000.  J.  S.  Ticknor.  President;  A.  K.  Ticknor,  Secretary.  Operate  four  miles 
of  eiertric  railway,  with  six  cars;  employ  twelve  men,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of 
$5,000. 

Central  Union  Telephone  Company.  R.  H.  Gibbony,  Manager. 
Have  500  local  subscribers,  and  employ  twelve  hands.  Pay-roll  $4,500. 

-59  — 


ROOKFORD  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


GERMAMA    HALL. 


Rockford  Electric  Power  Company.  Organized  1889.  Capital, 
$70,000.  J.  W.  Bartlett,  President;  A.  L.  Bartlett,  Secretary.  Furnish  light  and 
power:  occupy  three  stone  buildings  on  Race  Street;  employ  five  hands;  annual 
pay-roll,  $8,800. 

Forest  City  Electric  Light  and  Power  Company.  Organized  1883. 
Capital,  $80,000.  E.  L.  Woodruff,  President ;  M.  A.  Beal,  Secretary.  Located  on 
water  power.  Furnish  light  and  power:  employ  eighteen  men,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $7,200. 

American  Gas  Company.  This  corporation  controls  the  gas  works  in  a 
dozen  different  cities,  and  secured  the  Rockford  plant  in  the  spring  of  1890.  It  is 
capitalized  at  $300,000.  The  officers  are  George  G.  Ramsdell,  Yincennes,  Ind., 
President;  C.  V.  Grant,  Philadelphia,  Secretary:  H.  S.  Whipple,  local  manager ; 
John  M.  Kennedy,  superintendent.  The  company  manufacture  35,000,000  feet  of 
gas  per  annum,  which  is  sold  at  $1.40  to  $1.80  per  thousand.  Last  year  the  com- 
pany expended  $60,000  in  laying  new  mains.  They  have  a  total  of  forty-five  miles 
of  mains  and  supply  550  street  lamps.  They  employ  an  average  of  twenty-five  men 
&t  the  works.  The  value  of  the  gas  manufactured  is  $60,000  per  annum,  and  the 
pay-roll  last  year  reached  $si5,000.  The  gas  works  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Butter- 
worth  family  for  more  than  thirty  years  prior  to  its  acquirement  by  the  present 
company. 

Tl\e  Roc^ford  Press. 


'S  energetic  and  metropolitan  press  has  been  a  leading  agent  in 
presenting  the  story  of  her  marvelous  growth  and  in  bringing  capital  and 
labor  within  her  limits.  There  are  no  newspapers  in  the  state,  outside  of 
Chicago,  that  manifest  more  enterprise  or  present  a  more  attractive 
appearance  than  do  the  papers?  of  the  Forest  City.  They  are  all  clean  cut, 
bright  and  ably  edited,  presenting  not  only  the  news  of  the  vicinity  but  the  doings 
of  the  world  as  well.  There  are  four  English  dailies,  a  Swedish  weekly,  a  German 
weekly  and  temperance  and  religious  weeklies  as  well.  There  is  also  the  usual 
complement  of  social  and  education  publications  and  two  excellent  trade  journals. 
THE  REGISTER- GAZETTE  is  a  coalition  of  the  two  pioneer  newspapers,  and  is 
issued  every  afternoon.  They  publish  six  bright  pages,  and  the  editorial  columns 
are  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  the  republican  cause.  Mr.  Edgar  E.  Bartlett  is  the 
Secretary  of  the  company  and  the  business  head.  Mr.  W.  L.  Eaton  is  the  President 
and  Managing  Editor.  Mr.  E.  M.  Botsford  conducts  the  city  department  and  has 
Messrs.  Alex.  McCleneghan  and  F.  E.  Sterling  on  bis  staff.  The  daily  and  weekly 
issues  enjoy  a  large  circulation  throughout  northern  Illinois. 

THE  MORNING  STAR  is  as  bright  as  its  name  indicates.  It  is  found  at  the 
breakfast  table  every  morning  but  Monday,  and  is  a  handsome  eight  page  paper. 
It  is  democratic  in  politics  and  the  editorial  chair  is  ably  held  down  by  Mr.  J. 
Stanley  Browne.  The  business  department  is  controlled  by  Harry  M.  Johnson. 
The  city  department  is  looked  after^by  Ralph  B.  Johnson  and  Messrs.  Frank  Edmi- 
son,  R.  C.  Chapman  and  W.  C.  Johnson  are  also  on  the  staff. 

THE  ROCKFOKD  REPUBLICAN  is  a  newcomer  in  the  field  and  a  lively  one.  They 
have  two  issues  each  day— morning  and  afternoon.  Each  is  a  large  folio  in  form. 
The  managing  editor  is  Mr.  Howard  O.  Hilton.  The  business  affairs  are  looked 
After  by  Mr.  Will  J.  Johnson.  C.  D.  Allyn  is  city  editor  of  the  evening  issue,  and 

—  61  — 


Frank  Moran  of  the  morning.  The  staff  also  includes  Frank  Sapp,  late  of  Ottawa 
111. 

THE  POSTEN  is  a  lively  and  well-conducted  Swedish  weekly  published  and 
edited  by  Mr.  C.  Ebbisen,  with  J.  A.  Alden  as  business  manager. 

THE  GERMANIA  is  a  German  publication,  issued  once  a  week.  John  Pingel  is 
publisher,  and  Rev.  Prof.  G.  J.  Kannmacher  is  editor. 

TRADE  JOURNALS,  largely  devoted  to  the  furniture  interests  are  also  issued  by 
A.  F.  Judd  &  Co.,  and  the  Forest  City  Publishing  Company.  There  are  numerous 
religious  and  class  publications  issued  besides  those  names,  so  that  it  may  be  seen 
that  the  education  of  the  community  through  the  medium  of  the  press  is  well 
attended  to,  and  there  is  "no  one  thing  lacking." 


PRINTING  AND  PUBLISHING. 


The  Republican  Company.  (Rep.)  Morning  and  Evening  edition  Capital, 
$10,000:  H.  H.  Robinson,  President;  Will  J.  Johnson,  Secretary;  H.  O.  Hilton. 
Managing  Editor.  Organized  April  1890.  Employs  twenty-seven  hands,  with  an 
annual  pay-roll  of  $18,000.  R.  S.  Morgan  has  charge  of  the  job  department. 

Register-Gazette  Company.  (Rep.)  Evening  edition.  Capital,  $36,000. 
Win.  L.  Eaton,  President;  Edgar  E.  Bartlett,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Consolida- 
ted Feb.  1,  1891.  Employs  twenty-three  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  $18,000. 

Rockford  Star  Printing  Company.  (Dem.)  Morning  edition.  Capi- 
tal. $10,000.  John  D.  Waterman,  President:  H.  M.  Johnson,  Secretary -"and  Treas- 
urer; J.  Stanley  Browne,  Managing  Editor.  Organized  since  March  20,  1888.  Em- 
ploys twenty-five  hands ;  annual  pay-roll,  $15,000. 

The  Rocklord  Publishing  Company.  Publishers  and  Jobbers  of 
Books  and  Agents'  Novelties;  located  at  423  East  State  Street;  organized  in  1885, 
with  a  capital  stock  of  $15,000;  Wm.  A.  Giffen,  President;  Jas.  H.  Giffen,  Secretary 
and  Treasurer.  They  employ  one  hundred  people;  annual  pay-roll  $52,500:  amount 
of  business  done  in  1890,  $125,000. 

'•he  Posten.  (Swedish.)  Weekly  edition.  L.  M.  Noling,  President;  J.  A. 
Alden,  Secretary;  C.  Ebbisen,  Editor-in-chief:  employs  ten  hands,  with  an  annual 
pay-roll  of  $5,000. 

Chandler  Bros.  Dealers  in  books.  Do  an  annual  business  of  $100,000. 
Employ  fifty  hands,  with  an  annual  pay-roll  of  533,000. 

F.  A.  Freeman.  Engraver  on  wood.  This  gentleman  is  located  over  302 
West  State  street,  and  has  a  capital  of  $2,500  invested  in  his  business,  and  estimates 
his  annual  out  put  at  $5,000;  gives  employment  to  four  hands,  with  an  annual  pay- 
roll of  $3,600. 

Rockford  Engraving  Company.  Capital  invested,  $1,000.  Do  an 
annual  business  of  $6,000;  employs  five  hands:  amount  of  pay-roll, $4, 000. 

A.  F.  Judd  &;  Company.  Job  printing,  115  and  117  North  Madison.  Capi- 
tal, $10,000.  A.  F.  Judd  and  G.  W.  Sherer  constitute  the  firm.  Do  an  annual  busi- 
ness of  $12,000;  employ  ten  bands;  annual  pay-roll,  $5,000. 

Forest  City  Publishing  Company.  Printing  and  book  bindery,  124  West 
State  street.  Established  1866,  incorporated  1891 ;  capital,  $20,000.  Abraham  E. 
Smith,  Presidentzand  Manager;  A.  Philip  Smith,  Vice-President;  H.  J.  Eaton, 
Secretary.  Employs  fifty  five  hands,  with  annual  pay-roll  $20,000.  Theo.  W.  Clark 
has  charge  of  the  job'room  and  Alex.  Moncrieff  foreman  of  press  room. 

—  63  — 


Wt|at  Roc^ford  Maizes. 


UK  fair  city  of  Rockford  is  famous  the  round  world  over  for  her  diversi- 
fied manufactures,  and  hence  no  depression  in  trades  can  shake  her  from 
her  foundation.  Although  furniture  is  her  leading  product  every  factory 
engaged  in  its  manufacture  might  close  its  doors,  and  still  the  city  could 
go  ahead  with  progressive  strides,  and  the  whistles  of  her  hundreds  of  other  indus- 
trial enterprises  sound  with  the  same  clearness  as  before.  Wood,  iron,  steel, 
leather,  wool,  paper,  and  every  other  conceivable  material  pours  into  the  city  day 
by  day  to  contribute  to  the  mighty  aggregate  of  finished  goods  that  go  forth  to 
•every  land  on  the  habitable  globe. 

Some  idea  of  the  extent  of  these  manufactures  may  be  formed  from  the  follow- 
ing partial  list  of  ai tides  manufactured  in  the  city  of  Rockford: 


Axe  handles, 

Artificial  stone, 

Air  brushes, 

Ale, 

Agricult'l  implem'ts, 

Axle  grease, 

Bedsteads, 

Building  paper, 

Brass  goods, 

Boxes, 

Brick, 

Blinds, 

Bag-holders, 

Bustles. 

Bits, 

Bicycles, 

Bed  springs, 

Bath  tubs, 

Bells, 

Brooms, 

Broom  holders, 

Boilers, 

Boots, 

Baker's  eye-salve, 

Baking  powder, 

Bags, 

Bank  fixtures, 

Beach  curling  fluid, 

Butter  color, 

Barrels, 

Blank  books, 


Feed  grinders, 
Gate  hinges, 
Gloves, 
Glucose, 
Gas, 

Gavanized  iron, 
Glue, 

Grain  drills, 
Gas  stoves. 
Gasoline  stoves, 
Graham  flour, 
Ginger  ale, 
Harrows, 
Harness, 
Hosiery, 
Hand  carts. 
Horse  shoes, 
Hanging  baskets, 
Hat  racks, 
Heaters, 
Hose  nozzles, 
Harness  oil, 
Hose  reel, 
Hitching  posts, 
Horse  powers, 
Hay  presses, 
Hay  tedders, 
Hangers, 
Horse  muzzles, 
Harvesters, 
Harness  soap, 

—  65  — 


Road  carts, 

Rocking  chairs, 

Regulators, 

Reversible  broilers, 

Refrigerators, 

Road  scrapers, 

Rubber  stamps, 

Rye  flour, 

Shoes, 

Seeders, 

Socks, 

Stockings, 

Sleighs, 

Springs, 

Shafting, 

Steam  boilers, 

Strainers, 

Steam  fittings, 

Steam  pumps, 

Shirts, 

Sacks, 

Sugar, 

Syrup, 

String. 

Suspenders, 

Stair  railings, 

Steam  heaters, 

Sash, 

Shirt  boards, 

Screen  doors, 

Silver-plated  ware, 


L,  ^^,. 


WHAT    ROCKFORD   MAKES.— CONTINUED. 


Binders, 
Bolts, 

Barbed  wire, 
Beer, 

Bedroom  suites, 
Band  saws, 
Brackets, 
Book-cases, 
Boats, 
Brushes, 
Brass  pumps, 
Buckwheat  flour, 
Bread, 

Bread  toasters, 
Bureaus, 
Carriages, 
Coffins, 
Cultivators, 
Cotton  batting, 
Cotton  yarn, 
Carpets, 
Clothes  reels, 
Cabinets, 
Cigars, 
Cider, 

Confectionery, 
Clothing, 
Check  rowers, 
Corn  planters, 
Corn  meal, 
Churns, 
Crackers, 
Cement, 
'Chemicals, 
Chiffoniers, 
Carpet  stretchers, 
Casks, 
Cheese, 
Chairs, 

Canned  goods, 
Cake, 

Corn  shellers, 
Clocks, 
Cough  drops, 
Coulters, 
Circular  saws, 
Cuffs, 


Hose  supporters, 

Snuff, 

Ink, 

Stove-pipe, 

Iron  pumps, 

Soap, 

Ironing  tables, 

Side  boards, 

Ironware, 

Steam  cocks, 

Ironworking  machn'y, 

Spring  hinges, 

Iron  cutters, 

Screws, 

Ice  cream, 

Scissors, 

Jig  saws, 

Sprinklers, 

Japaned  ware, 

Shawls, 

Jointed  hanging  hooks, 

Swill  carriers, 

Jellies, 

Straw  board, 

Jewelry, 

Spring  beds, 

Knives, 

Stamps, 

Knitting  machinery, 

Shoe  blacking, 

Knit  underwear, 

Stove  polish, 

Knit  jackets, 

Sewer  pipe, 

Leather, 

Step-ladders, 

Lounges, 

Secretaries, 

Lath  fencing, 

Surgical  instruments, 

Leather  dashers, 

Slippers, 

Lathes, 

Saddles, 

Locks, 

Sieves. 

Log  screws, 

Snow  shovels, 

Lime, 

Silverware, 

Lawn  settees, 

Stall  guards, 

Liquid  stove  polish, 

Sewing  machines, 

Lard  oil 

Sorghum  machinery, 

.Lamp  posts, 

Silver  polish, 

Leggings, 

Stoves, 

Lemon  squeezers, 

Steam  engines, 

Ladies1  underwear, 

Toilet  soaps. 

Lubricating  oil, 

Tacks, 

Leather  axle  washers, 

Tank  heaters, 

Mowers, 

Tinware, 

Mattresses, 

Teeth, 

Mantels, 

Trunks, 

Mouse  traps, 

Tables, 

Malleable  iron, 

Teapot  stands, 

Machine  oil, 

Time  locks, 

Monuments, 

Tire  shrinkers, 

Mouldings, 

Tiling, 

Mop  handles, 

Toys, 

Mill  supplies. 

Tools, 

Milling  machines, 

Twines, 

Nails, 

Tubular  well  pumps, 

Nuts, 

Umbrella-holders, 

—  67  — 

WHAT  ROCKFORD   MAKES.— CONTINUED. 


Collars, 

Neckyokes. 

Universal  syphon, 

Castings, 

Nickel  plated  ware. 

Upholstered  goods, 

Concrete  walks, 

Nudavene  flakes. 

Valises, 

Carriage  top  dressing, 

Newspapers, 

Valves, 

Drills, 

Nickel  polish. 

Vinegar, 

Desks, 

Oat  meal, 

Vitrified  bricks, 

Dry  plates, 

Oil  cans, 

Varnishes, 

Devore's  indest'bl  awl. 

Oil  burners. 

Watches, 

Door  frames, 

Office  fixtures, 

Watch  cases, 

Derricks, 

Overalls, 

Watch  keys, 

Dog  powers, 

Organs, 

Wagons, 

Dyes, 

Plows, 

Wind  mills, 

Dressed  lumber, 

Planters, 

Water  wheels, 

Dynamos, 

Paint, 

Warp, 

Electric  motors. 

Post  hole  diggers, 

Wheel-barrows, 

Electric  appliances. 

Picture  frames, 

Washing  machines, 

Elevators, 

Pipe  holders, 

Wringers, 

Extracts, 

Pasteboard  boxes, 

Wash-stands, 

Eggbeaters, 

Pumping  jacks, 

Whisky, 

Excelsior, 

Pump  cylinders, 

Well  drills, 

Egg  beaters, 

Pumps, 

Wire  fencing, 

Furniture, 

Pencil  sharpeners, 

Wire  cloth, 

Folding  beds, 

Pulleys, 

Wire  sisrns, 

Flour, 

Patterns. 

Wire  nails, 

Forks, 

Parlor  suites, 

Wire  novelties, 

Foot  power, 

Potato  mashers, 

Wrapping  paper, 

Feed, 

Perfumery, 

Wrought  iron  ware, 

Fertilizers, 

Pedestals, 

Woolen  goods, 

Fanning  mills. 

Patent  medicines, 

Water  casks, 

Flour  sifters, 

Pillowsham-holders, 

Wood  worki'g  niach'y, 

Flannels, 

Pop, 

Willow  ware, 

Feed  mills, 

Prison  guards, 

Wooden  ware, 

Fly  nets, 

Paper, 

Wind  engines, 

Fire  clay, 

Punches, 

Water  pipe, 

Flower  stands. 

Potato  diggers, 

Water  tanks, 

Foot  rests, 

Paper-holders, 

Wash  tubs, 

Force  pumps, 

Pocket  matches, 

Woolen  yarn, 

Feed  cookers, 

Reapers, 

Wood  jacket  cans, 

Files, 

Rakes, 

Wood  filler, 

Fly  paper, 

Razors, 

Wood  cuts. 

Fur  garments, 

Stencils, 

—  69  — 


fls  a  Business  Center. 


CITY  situated  as  Rockford  is  has  many  advantages  as  a  commercial  center. 
Of  course  we  are  too  close  to  Chicago  to  be  a  large  jobbing  center,  but  on 
the  other  hand  our  proximity  to  the  metropolis  of  the  west  gives  us  low 
freight  rates  and  good  connections  with  the  entire  country.  We  have  a 
number  of  jobbing  houses  doing  a  good  business,  and  more  are  contemplated.  But 
it  is  as  a  manufacturing  center  on  which  Rockford's  fame  mainly  rests. 

If,  however,  not  a  factory  had  ever  been  started  in  the  city,  still  the  Forest  City 
would  have  been  a  thriving  place,  merely  as  a  country  trading  point.  In  the  center 
of  a  county  of  the  richest  farming  lands  in  the  world;  whose  farms  are  owned  by  a 
prosperous  people ;  mostly  clear  of  mortgages-,  well  stocked,  with  neat  and  even 
elegant  houses  and  spacious  barns ;  a  county  which  never  knew  a  cyclone,  a  hurri- 
cane, or  a  blight,  and  seldom  a  drought,  the  farming  trade  enjoyed  by  our  retail 
merchants  is  simply  enormous.  The  growth  of  the  city  to  its  present  size  where 
it  overshadows  all  cities  within  a  long  distance  around,  enables  the  merchants  to 
carry  immense  stocks,  and  draws  trade  from  a  large  radius.  The  retail  trade  of 
Rockford,  both  city  and  country,  would  surprise  eastern  cities  of  five  times  its  size. 
There  are  between  five  and  six  hundred  retail  stores  in  the  city,  including  some 
mammoth  concerns,  using  entire  three  and  four  story  blocks,  and  including  as  well 
a  great  many  smaller  establishments.  It  speaks  volumes  for  their  prosperity  to 
say  that  there  has  been  but  three  failures  in  the  city  during  the  past  year,  and  the 
aggregate  amount  involved  in  all  three  was  less  than  $7,000. 

The  city  has  eight  banks,  six  of  which  are  national,  one  state  and  one  private. 
The  banking  business  has  reached  such  proportions  that  a  clearing  house  must 
eoon  be  established.  The  business  men  have  a  Business  Men's  Association  and 
a  Commtrcial  Club,  and  there  will  be  a  Board  of  Trade  established  presently. 

As  a  commercial  center  Rockford  is  right  in  line,  and  within  the  next  two  or 
three  years  will  push  forward  as  she  never  has  before. 


Temperance  Headquarters, 


|VIONG  the  many  things  which  are  worthy  of  especial"  notice  is  our  local 
Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union,  who  are  the  happy  possessors  of 
a  very  fine  building,  which  is  centrally  located  at  the  west  end  of  the  city 
bridge.  A  lunch  and  coffee  room  is  conducted  by  the  ladies,  which  is  in 
charge  of  a  competent  matron.  The  organization  is  a  national  one.  The  local  or- 
ganization is  a  most  excellent  one,  and  is  accomplishing  very  praiseworthy  results. 
The  officers  are:  President,  Mrs.  T.  G.  Backus:  Vice-Presideut-at-large,  Mrs. 
Rev.  W.  A.  Phillips;  Recording  Secretary,  Mrs.  Margaret  Skiff;  Corresponding 
Secretary,  Mrs.  P.  R.  Wood;  Treasurer,  Miss  Julia  L.  Worthington.  Regular 
meetings  are  held  every  Thursday  afternoon  and  on  Sunday  at  3  o'clock. 


Our  Tt\espiar(  Tenqple. 


OVERS  of  dramatic  and  operatic  amusements  are  well  cared  for  in  the  Forest 
City.  The  Rockford  Opera  House  is  a  Jarge,  handsome  brick  structure,  on 
North  Wyman  Street,  costing,  with  recent  improvements,  150,000,  and  is  ele- 
gantly  fitted  up  and  well  supplied  with  all  modern  convenience,  scenery  and  stage 
settings.  Its  seating  capacity  is  fifteen  hundred.  The  management  is  fully 
awake  to  the  needs  of  the  public,  and  presents  the  amusement-loving  people  with  'a 
spendid  list  of  attractions,  such  as  the  Daly,  Madison  Square,  and  Lyceum  com- 
panies; Modjeska,  Janauschek,  Booth,  Kean,  Nat  Goodwin,  Sol  Smith  Russell,  and 
Bostoniaus.  The  house  is  under  the  [personal  management  of  C.  C.  Jones,  who  is 
assisted  by  Maurice  B.  Field. 


Tt|e  City  Hospital, 


institution  in  the  city  covers  a  wider  field  of  usefulness;  none  does  so 
much  to  alleviate  human  suffering;  nor  so  much  real,  necessary  and  unos- 
tentatious good,  as  the  Rockford  City  Hospital.  It  is  under  the  owner- 
ship and  control  of  the  Rockford  Hospital  Association,  which  consists  of 
2G2  individuals  who  contributed  toward  the  establishment  of  the  institution.  This 
association  was  organized  in  the  year  1883,  and  was  due  largely  to  the  efforts  of  W. 
A.  Talcott,  Dr.  W.  H.  Fitch,  and  a  number  of  other  people  who  had  become  cogni- 
zant of  the  great  need  of  a  place  to  care  for  the  victims  of  accidents,  the  sick  and 
afflicted.  The  matter  was  agitated  during  the  year,  and  in  December  the  agitation 
crystalized  into  action.  The  association  was  formed  and  incorporated.  A  valua- 
ble piece  of  property  centrally  located  on  the  corner  of  South  Court  and  Chestnut 
Streets  was  purchased.  There  was  a  large  brick  house  on  the  lot  and  this  was  fit- 
ted up  for  use,  nearly  everything  necessary  being  donated.  Judge  Wm.  Brown 
was  elected  as  President  of  the  association  and  Mrs.  S.  B.  Wilkins,  Vice  President, 
for  the  first  year,  and  Wm.  A.  Talcott  was  made  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  which 
position  he  has  since  held. 

Mrs.  M.  J.  Smith  was  selected  for  matron,  and  still  holds  that  important  post. 
It  was  an  exceedingly  wise  choice.  "Aunt  Jane,"  as  she  is  known  all  over  the  city, 
is  a  born  nurse,  and  under  her  administration  the  utmost  good  bus  been  accom- 
plished with  the  means  at  hand. 

In  1887  efforts  began  to  be  made  for  a  larger  building,  especially  for  the  use  of 
the  hospital.  This  was  erected  during  the  winter  and  dedicated  in  March,  1888.  It 
is  a  splendid  three-story  brick  edifice,  facing  on  Chestnut  Street,  costing  815,000. 
It  accommodates  thirty  patients  and  is  supplied  with  every  convenience.  The  old 
hospital  building  stands  just  east  of  it,  is  connected  by  a  hall  and  is  used  by  the 
matron  and  nurses  as  living  rooms. 

Shortly  after  it  was  erected,  Horatio  Stone,  who  has  ever  been  an  enthusiastic 
supporter  of  the  institution,  and  who  is  now  president  of  the  association,  donated 
an  elevator  costing  $1,500.  Anew  operating  room  has  just  been  completed  on  the  west 
side  of  the  main  building,  the  old  one  having  been  found  to  be  too  small.  This  new 


addition  is  built  by  Mrs.  Ralph  Emerson  in  memory  of  her  son,  Ralph  Emerson,  Jr. 

The  hospital  is  always  as  full  as  the  management  will  allow.  Daily,  almost,  the 
patrol  wagon  brings  some  poor  fellow,  mangled  by  an  accident,  to  the  door.  Be- 
sides this,  cases  of  sickness  are  cared  for  as  soon  as  possible,  When  the 
patients  are  able,  they  are  expected  to  pay,  but  when  they  cannot,  they  receive  the 
same  care. 

Necessarily,  running  an  institution  on  such  a  plan,  it  cannot  be  nearly  self- 
supporting,  and  the  hospital  depends  upon  voluntary  subscriptions  and  annual 
collections  which  are  taken  up  in  the  various  city  churches.  Funds  are  constantly 
lacking  to  do  the  work  required.  If  some  one  would  leave  a  bequest  in  such  a 
way  that  a  regular  income  could  be  assured,  the  effectiveness  of  the  hospital  would 
be  greatly  increased. 

The  present  officers  of  the  association  are:  Horatio  Stone,  President;  Mrs. 
Jane  G.  Wilkins,  Vice-President;  W.  A.  Talcott,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


Tt\e  Public  Library. 

IS  an  important  element  in  giving  to  the  city  its  old  world  aroma  of  culture  its 
public  library  is  entitled  to  important  consideration.  Books,  if  well  chosen, 
are  the  best  and  most  considerate  of  companions,  and  the  records  of  the 
library  indicate  that  in  Rockford  the  creations  of  master  miuds  go  alike  into  man- 
sion and  cottage.  The  library  was  first  opened  in  1873,  and  has  grown  to  extensive 
proportions.  There  are  now  twenty  thousand  well-chosen  volumes  on  its  shelves 
and  new  books  are  added  almost  as  fast  as  they  come  from  the  press.  The  library 
occupies  commodious  quarters  over  the  postofflce,  and  a  large  public  reading  room, 
supplied  with  the  leading  newspapers  and  magazines,  is  a  valuable  auxilliary.  That 
these  advantages  are  offered  to  the  public  evenings  and  Sundays  is  an  evidence  of 
the  liberal  educational  spirit  of  the  hour.  The  number  of  those  entitled  to  draw 
books  from  the  library  is  over  ten  thousand.  Mr.  W.  Rowland  is  the  efficient  libra- 
rian in  charge;  Miss  Lizzie  Williamson,  assistant. 


Social  Pleasures  ar)d  Society. 

ROB  ABLY  many  of  our  friends  in  the  eastern  states  feel  somewhat  sur- 
prised  at  the  many  social  advantages  that  may  be  enjoyed  throughout  this 
section  of  the  country,  but  nowhere  are  these  social  features  in  any  degree 
superior  to  those  at  Rockford.  While  the  busy  hum  of  machinery  is 
beard  on  every  side  of  the  "gem  of  Illinois,"  'yet  human  desire  for  friendly  com- 
minglings  is  as  apparent  here  as  in  the  most  fashionable  of  eastern  cities,  and  amid 
the  noise  and  bustle  of  a  booming  city  the  efforts  to  drive  off  dull  care  for  a  short 
season  are  as  assiduously  pursued  as  the  most  fastidious  might  desire.  Every 
church  congregation  has  its  social  and  literary  circle,  and  the  secret  and  benevo- 
lent societies  have  their  regular  "blow  outs."  Then  there  are  a  great  many  social 
clubs  of  various  kinds,  which  hold  meetings  weekly,  and  there  are  progressive 
cinch  and  euchre  clubs,  married  people's,  card  clubs,  aud  all  kinds  of  clubs  organ- 
ized by  various  cliques  for  informal  amusements. 


RocKford  Y.  M,  C,  R. 


|NE  of  the  finest  buildings  of  its  kind  in  the  country,  is  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association,  located  at  the  corner  of  North  Madison  and  East 
State  streets.  The  edifice  is  a  very  handsome  one  costing  $50,000,  and  is  a 
monument  of  the  generous  and  practical  interest  of  nearly  eight  hundred  contribu- 
tors: persons  who  believe  in  and  desire  to  perpetuate  this  noble  institution,  which 
has  for  its  object  the  spiritual,  intellectual  upbuilding  and  uplifting  of  young  men. 
Meetings  are  held  at  various  times  during  the  week,  and  Sunday  afternoon  from  4 
to  5  o'clock,  Young  Men's  Gospel  Meetings  are  held,  which  are  largely  attended. 
The  gymnasium  is  fully  equipped  with  bars,  rings,  ladders,  &c.,  and  is  under  the 
personal  charge  of  General  Secretary  E.  M.  Aiken.  It  is  a  grand  good  thing,  and 
many  a  young  man  finds  a  helping  hand  extended  to  him  in  his  need.  The  present 
officers  are.  S.  F.  Weyburn,  President;  E.  M.  Aiken,  General  Secretary;  H.  T.  Han- 
*<en,  Assistant  Secretary. 


R  City  of  Firie 


person  visits  Rockford  without  being  impressed  with  the  beauty  and 
comfort  of  her  homes.  Rockford  people  are  "here  to  stay"  as  the  expres- 
sion  goes,  and  they  build  themselves  homes  where  it  is  a  pleasure  to  reside, 
Tiot  simply  a  place  to  stay  for  a  season.  One  feature  which  is  especially  noteworthy 
and  which  strikes  visitors  from  other  factory  cities  as  peculiarly  strange,  is  that  the 
people  generally,  in  fact  universally,  own  their  own  homes.  The  laborers  and  fac- 
tory people,  as  well  as  the  business  men,  manufacturers,  professional  men  and  cap- 
italists, own  their  own  residences,  and  very  tasty,  and  convenient  ones,  too.  Thou- 
sands of  pretty  homes,  every  one  of  which  is  the  castle  of  some  man,  well  kept, 
and  ^urrounded  by  a  hundred  evidences  of  the  care  which  a  man  devotes  to  his  own, 
tells  a  story  of  prosperity  and  happiness  more  eloquent  than  words  can  paint. 

Rockford  has  but  few  grand  castles.  Few  of  her  homes,  even  where  wealth 
and  magnificence  reside,  have  that  exterior  of  gorgeous  splendor  which  are  visible 
in  some  places.  While -there  are  many  fine  houses,  it  is  in  the  grounds  surround- 
ing them  which  are  most  striking  for  beauty.  Nowhere  in  the  West  is  there  a  city 
where  the  grounds  will  compare  with  those  of  Rockford.  The  homes  set  back 
among  the  groves,  and  well  kept  lawns  are  a  constant  picture  to  the  eye. 

Rockford  is  noted  for  her  numberless  fine  residences  belonging  to  what  is  called 
the  middle  class:  people  who  do  not  live  on  their  means,  but  are  engaged  in  active 
business.  There  are  hundreds  of  these,  fashioned  in  novel  styles  of  architecture 
and  not  crowded  into  undue  proximity  to  one  another.  These  homes  are  really  ele- 
gant in  their  architecture  and  appointments,  and  give  the  city  a  most  prosperous 
and  distinguished  appearance.  Then  the  houses  of  the  mechanics.  It  is  a  constant 


wonder  to  the  visitor  at  Rockford  to  observe  the  residences  owned  and  occupied  by 
our  mechanics  and  laboring  people.  All  through  the  Swedish  district  particularly, 
the  houses  are  models  of  beauty  and  comfort.  They  are  prettily  designed,  well 
built,  always  two  stories  high  and  often  two  and  a  half— and  what  is  better,  they  are 
owned  and  generally  paid  for  by  the  people  who  occupy  them.  The  grounds  are 
nicely  kept  and  the  people  take  pride  in  beautifying  and  improving  the  looks  of 
the  city  and  of  their  own  places. 

Shade  trees  are  abundant,  so  much  so  that  the  city  has  gained  the  appellation 
•'The  Forest  City."  The  most  elegant  street  is  North  Main  street,  which  is  lined 
on  either  side  by  the  houses  of  Rockford's  wealthiest  people.  On  the  east  side  of 
the  street  the  lots  run  clear  to  the  river.  These  river  bank  lots  are  very  beautiful, 
and  as  there  are  no  fences  for  nearly  the  entire  distance  of  the  fine  residence  dis- 
trict— over  a  mile— it  has  the  appearance  of  an  elegant  park. 

On  the  East  Side  East  State  street  is  the  most  elegant  thoroughfare.  All  along 
up  the  hill  the  street  is  lined  with  handsome  grounds  and  fine  houses.  South 
Third  street  also  contains  some  very  handsome  residences. 

One  distinguishing  feature  of  Rockford  houses  is  that  most  of  them  are  built  of 
wood.  There  are  comparatively  few  brick  residences.  Even  where  a  large  amount 
of  money  is  put  into  the  building,  they  are  built  of  wood.  There  are  a  few  notable 
exceptions,  but  as  a  class  Rockford  houses  are  built  of  wood. 

The  interiors  of  Rockford  houses  are  even  rmore  pleasing  than  their  exteriors. 
Comfortably  and  in  many  cases  elegantly  furnished  they  are  really  "homes,"  not 
simply  places  to  stay.  It  is  Rockford's  homes  and  the  home-life  of  her  people 
which  makes  the  Forest  City  such  a  delightful  place  to  live  in  and  draws  peonle  so 
easily  to  her  borders. 


RocKford  Driving  Clilb. 


Xjx  HE  park  consists  of  ninety  acres  of  land  in  the  north  end  of  the  city  immedi- 
XX  ately  on  the  line  of  the  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  railroad,  the  driving  park  being  situated 
just  west  of  the  track.  This  park  is  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  equipped 
in  the  country,  containing  all  the  modern  improvements  for  taking  care  of  the  trot- 
ting stock,  there  being  150  excellently  constructed  stalls.  The  grand  stand  is  a  com- 
modious and  artistic  affair  with  a  seating  capacity  of  2500,  and  is  provided  with  com- 
fortable chairs  for  the  accommodation  of  its  patrons.  The  track  is  kite  shaped.  This 
track  has  proved  a  record-breaker,  as  every  animal  that  has  won  a  race  on  the  track 
has  lowered  his  record  in  order  to  do  so.  The  park  is  most  delightfully  situated, 
commanding  the  most  charming  view  of  nature's  diversified  beauties,  in  which  no- 
other  country  on  the  globe  is  more  prolific  than  is  the  country  surrounding  the  city 
of  Rockford,  for  in  every  direction  one  may  look  new  scenes  are  presented  to  the 
vision,  which  is  limited  only  by  the  capacity  of  the  eye.  The  Rockford  Driving 
Club  was  licensed  to  organize  in  1889.  The  officers  are,  Frank  G.  Smith,  President; 
H.  H.  Palmer,  Vice-President;  C.  C.  Jones,  Secretary,  and  Geo.  L.  Woodruff, 
Treasurer.  There  are  two  meetings  a  year,  held  one  in  June  and  the  other  in 
August. 


Tt]e  Lowell  of  tt]e  West. 


fT  has  not  taken  half  a  century  to  demonstrate  that  Rockford  is  the  industrial 
city  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Two  decades  ago  the  vastness  of  her  manu- 
factures gave  to  her  the  sobriquet  of  the  "Lowell  of  the  West,"  and  this 
clings  to  her  still,  although  it  is  not  worn  with  as  much  pride  as  in  other 
days,  for  Rockford,  mind  you,  is  passing  this  namesake  of  hers,  and  it  may  soon  be 
that  Lowell  will  feel  a  dignified  desire  to  be  known  as  the  Rockford  of  the  East. 
The  agricultural  implement  industry  was  one  of  the  first  to  seek  a  home  in  Rock- 
ford  and  bear  her  name  abroad.  Next  came  the  era  of  furniture  factories,  and  now 
there  is  but  one  city  in  the  land  that  turns  out  more  furniture  than  she.  There  are 
twenty  factories  in  this  line  alone.  There  are  cotton,  woolen,  paper  and  knitting 
mills,  and  they  are  all  spreading  out  and  increasing.  Two  of  the  largest  watch 
factories  in  the  country  are  now  located  here,  and  there  is  also  a  watch  case  factory 
and  a  huge  silver  plating  concern.  From  other  cities  a  dozen  industries  have 
brought  their  plants  to  Rockford,  but,  better  still,  her  own  citizens  have  put  their 
hands  in  th.eir  purses  and  furnished  the  capital  for  a  large  majority  of  her  factories, 
And  are  to-day  profitably  operating  them.  It  is  more  especially  within  the  last  two 
years  that  the  eyes  of  the  outside  world  were  drawn  to  this  manufacturing  center. 
The  advent  of  another  trunk  line  of  railroad  and  the  establishment  of  a  number  of 
important  industries,  created  considerable  interest,  and  it  was  found  that  here  was 
a  city  of  marvelous  growth  without  any  brass  band  attachment.  Manufacturers 
learned  that  a  town  of  150  paying  industries,  with  all  the  prestige  that  goes  with 
that  statement  would  open  its  doors  to  them:  a  city  possessing  all  natural  and  com- 
mercial advantages,  and  some  other  facilities  that  no  other  place  could  boast  of. 
Since  this  discovery  has  become  more  generally  advertised  this  little  metropolis 
has  made  marvelous  strides.  The  census  report,  showing  that  the  per  cent,  of 
gain  in  a  decade  led  almost  the  entire  state,  still  further  added  to  her  fame,  until 
there  is  not  a  citizen  within  her  borders,  nor  a  drummer  on  the  road  but  that  claims 
that  Rockford  will  be  the  second  city  in  the  state  within  ten  years.  She  is  destined 
to  claim  at  least  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  and  with  the  diversity  of  her 
industries  and  her  independence  from  tributary  agriculture,  it  is  difficult  to  con- 
ceive a  combination  of  circumstances  that  could  give  her  a  black  eye.  She  is  a 
city  not  alone  for  to-day  but  for  all  time.  When  the  last  trumpet  shall  sound  there 
will  be  at  least  one  hundred  thousand  Rockfordites  ready  to  don  their  crowns  and 
take  their  places  in  the  celestial  choir.  The  smoke  of  her  factory  chimneys  paints 
her  story  on  the  sky.  It  is  a  tale  of  energy,  industry  and  progress.  She  does  not 
"boom"— she  quick-steps  with  the  sturdy  stride  of  an  army  with  banners.  She 
welcomes  legitimate  industry  and  furnishes  liberal  aid,  but  she  is  careful  of  her 
reputation,  and  wants  no  unprofitable  "snap"  concerns  looking  for  a  Donus.  All 
the  factories  that  have  more  recently  come  within  the  limits  of  Rockford  have  been 
fully  investigated  and  found  profitable.  Upon  that  finding  the  city  has  opened  its 
purse,  subscribed  liberally  to  stock,  and  donated  buildings  and  sites.  This  is  still 
her  program  and  pronunciamento.  Any  further  facts  regarding  the  city  that  may 
be  desired  will  be  cheerfully  imparted  by  the  Business  Mens'  Association,  the  Real 
Estate  Exchange,  the  Commercial  Club,  or  the  firm  or  individual  from  whom  this 
little  work  came. 

—  81  — 


RESIDENCE   OF   H.   W.   PRICE. 


RESIDENCE  OF  OSCAR  NELSON. 


Municipal 


things  more  clearly  indicate  the  progressive  spirit  that  obtains  in  Rock 
ford  more  substantially  than  does  the  mention  of  the  municipal  operations, 
which  were  so  cheerfully  undertaken  and  satisfactorily  consummated  dur- 
ing the  year  1890.  Two  new  bridges  were  built  across  Rock  River,  and  one  moved 
to  another  site,  making  six  in  all;  a  dozen  bridges  were  built  over  Kent's  and 
Keith's  Creek,  and  other  bridges  were  repaired,  the  whole  cost  of  the  operations  in 
this  department  exceeding  $122,030.  The  street  paving  included  nearly  two  miles 
of  cedar  blocks,  and  cost  upwards  of  $69,000.  Five  miles  were  added  to  the  sewer 
system  at  an  expense  exceeding  $40,000.  The  water  mains  were  extended  and  a 
new  engine  put  in,  at  a  cost  of  $40,000.  A  handsome  school  house  was  erected  at  an 
outlay  of  nearly  $25,00 ).  These  are  but  samples  of  what  the  municipality  is  doing 
for  itself,  and  all  with  but  a  trifling  fraction  added  to  the  general  tax  levy.  This  year 
the  sewer  system  will  be  extended  to  a  total  of  twenty  miles  of  mains;  two  miles  Of 
brick  pavement  and  one  of  cedar  block  will  be  laid;  the  police  and  fire  departments 
will  be  enlarged,  and  many  other  municipal  improvements  made,  the  whole  cost- 
ing at  least  $200,000,  and  all  with  a  slight  reduction  from  the  general  tax  of  the 
previous  year.  The  city  government  has  always  been  clean  and  business-like.  To 
the  administration  of  Mayor  John  H.  Sherratc  and  his  coadjutors  the  community 
owes  much,  and  it  is  felt  that  the  present  mayor  and  council  will  retain  the  mantle 
of  progress  which  fell  upon  their  shoulders.  The  municipal  management  is  in 
the  following  hands: 

MAYOR— HARRY  N.  STARR. 

CITY  CLERK— F.  G.  HOGLAND. 

CITY  ATTORNEY— R.  K.WELSH. 

CITY  TREASURER— J.  D.  WATERMAN. 

POLICE  MAGISTRATE— L.  L.  MORRISON. 

HEALTH  OFFICER— DR.  W.  A.  BOYD. 

CITY  ENGINEER— D.  C.  DUNLAP. 

fFirst  Ward— HARRY  WOOLSEY,  R.  A.  SHEPHERD. 
\  Second  Ward— E.W.  BROWN,  A.  J.  ANDERSON. 
I  Third  Ward— T.  J.  DERWENT,  Z.  B.  STURTEVANT. 
Aldermen  \  Fourth  Ward— WILLIS  M.  KIMBALL,  L.  A.  WEYBURN. 
|  Fifth  Ward— O.  P.  TRAHERN,  W.  L.  HARBISON. 
|  Sixth  Ward— G.  A.  SALSTROM,  W.  D.  CLARK. 
(.Seventh  Ward— THOS.  W.  COLE,  D.  G.  SPAULDINO. 


Valuable  Paries. 


UT  beyond  the  confines  of  the  beautiful  Forest  City,  to  the  north,  and  situ- 
ated on  the  banks  of  the  placid  Rock  River,  Harlem  Park,  the  new  crea* 
tion  of  the  enterprising  spirit  which  animates  all  Rockford,  offers  to  the 
wearied  in  body  and  burdened  in  mind  relaxation,  recreation  and  rest. 
Rich  in  rustic  beauties  and  general  attractions,  it  affords  a  pleasant  refuge  and 
retreat  from  the  cares  of  every  day  life  and  business,  refreshing  the  physical  and 


UTTER    MANUFACTURING    COMPANY'S    PLANT 


<  KNTRAL    FURNITURE    FACTORY. 


mental  faculties,  and  rendering  to  enervated  nature  greater  and  more  beneficial  aid 
than  potions  and  lotions  from  the  shelves  of  pharmacies,  or  the  sparkling  waters 
from  the  fountain  of  universal  youth. 

A  new  element  of  restorative  power,  a  tonic  to  the  dispirited,  a  real  and  vital 
izing  force  to  instill  life  and  activity  into  frames  where  torpor  and  languidity 
reigns,  presents  itself  in  the  Switchback  Railway,  a  new  and  popular  feature  of 
amusement  which  is  at  present  attracting  the  attention  and  awakening  the  interest 
of  thousands.  Seated  in  its  easy  car  for  a  rapid  flight  over  its  hills  and  wondrous 
vales,  one  forgets  everything  but  the  fact  that  time,  space,  and  every  surrounding 
object  are  being  annihilated  by  the  rush  of  its  whirring  wheels,  and  remembers 
that,  only  when  the  few  seconds  sufficing  for  the  journey  have  passed  into  infinity. 
The  genius  of  its  inventor  has  brought  joy  and  pleasure  to  youth  and  new  experi- 
ences to  age  which  will  be  remembered  when  the  invention  has  passed  into  innocu- 
ous desuetude. 

Other  factors  for  the  promotion  of  pleasure  are  the  band  concerts  wnich  occur 
twice  a  week  in  the  elaborate  band  stand  and  pavillion  erected  for  the  promotion  of 
the  pleasure  of  the  music  loving  visitors.  Twelve  arc  lights  shed  their  effulgence 
over  the  scene  on  the  evenings  devoted  to  the  enjoyment  of  this  most  elevating  art, 
and  render  Luna  an  unnecessary  expense  to  the  solar  lighting  system.  Every 
thing  that  nature  has  left  undone  in  the  creation  of  a  park  of  wondrous  beauty  has 
been  undertaken  by  mortal  hands,  and  success  has  crowned  every  effort  to  render 
its  attractiveness  more  attractive.  The  cool,  refreshing  shades  of  the  park  are 
meccas  much  sought  by  all  classes  of  people.  The  rich,  the  poor,  the  high,  the  low, 
all  meet  on  an  equal  footing  beneath  its  waving  foliage  and  on  its  emerald  carpet. 
Rank,  station,  all  are  forgotten  in  the  fact  that  nature  is  the  common  mother  of  all, 
and  each  and  every  one  seeks  pleasure  in  those  sports  in  which  their  estimate  of 
real  enjoyment  finds  satisfaction. 

Beautiful  Harlem  Park  is  but  ten  minutes  ride  from  the  business  centers  on  the 
electric  railway,  and  is  accessible  by  boat  and  carriage.  A  dock  gives  landing  to 
passengers  from  the  steamers,  and  a  beautiful  driveway  leads  along  the  shore  of 
the  river  to  the  park  confines.  It  is  an  attraction  which  lends  to  the  Forest  City 
another  grace,  and  is  a  fount  of  exquisite  pleasure  to  the  lovers  of  nature  as  well 
us  tho-f  who  seek  its  limits  from  more  sordid  and  grosser  motives:  and  a  cordial 
welcome  is  extended  to  the  visitor  by  those  who  have  the  management  of  the 
grounds.  With  lovely  scenery  to  charm  the  eye  and  delight  the  mind,  with  melo- 
dious harmonies  to  please  the  tuneful  ear,  and  its  host  of  amusements  to  entertain, 
Harlem  Park  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the  most  popular  and  much  frequented 
resorts  within  an  extended  radius.  Mr.  Chas.  Brumbaugh,  the  genial  superintend- 
ent, and  Mr.  John  Camlin,  the  efficient  and  courteous  secretary,  are  developing 
new  and  richer  resources  of  pleasure,  and  the  future  will  open  the  door  to  wider 
possibilities  and  the  achievement  of  greater  results. 

The  second  park  that  lies  without  the  city's  walls  and  is  still  easily  accessible, 
is  the  West  End  Recreation  Park,  used  for  the  grounds  of  the  Rockford  league  base 
ball  club.  The  park  lies  in  the  famous  West  End  addition,  on  the  Hue  of  the  new 
ek-ctric  railway,  whose  handsome  olive  green  cars  are  the  cynosure  of  all  eyes. 
The  grounds  are  neatly  fenced  and  contain  a  large  ampitheatre  capable  of  seating 
tin-  enthusiastic  hundreds  of  admirers  of  the  national  game  that  the  Forest  City 
contains.  The  park  is  to  be  further  improved  and  developed,  and  near  by  the 
lofty  tower  of  the  West  End  observatory  will  be  reared.  The  whole  is  within  a  few 
minutes  ride  of  the  city's  heart. 

—  85  — 


S.    B.    WILKINS    COMPANY    KNITTING    FACTORY 


ROCKFORD    OAT    MEAL    MILL. 


Hotels  of  RocKford. 


Forest  City  has  a  number  of  excellent  houses  where  the  traveler  may 
find  rest  and  refreshment,  and  there  are  more  coming.  The  New  Holland 
and  The  Wilson  are  both  operated  by  Irve  Leonard,  and  are  the  leading 
hotels  of  the  town,  receiving  nearly  all  the  commercial  patronage.  The  Holland 
is  a  handsome  four  story  building,  occupying  half  a  square,  and  contains  eighty 
well  furnished  rooms.  The  Wilson,  which  was  formerly  known  as  The  Leonard, 
has  fifty  rooms,  and  is  located  on  West  State  Street.  The  Hotel  Noonan  is  a  very 
comfortable  and  popular  house  containing  twenty-five  handsome  rooms.  The 
Chick  House  is  located  diagonally  across  from  The  Holland  and  has  some  forty 
rooms.  It  is  well  patronized.  The  Commercial,  American  and  Forest  City  Houses 
are  of  a  cheaper  grade. 

Within  a  few  weeks  from  the  date  of  issuance  of  this  book  ground  will  be  bro- 
ken for  a  magnificent  hotel  to  be  located  on  South  Main  street,  one  block  South  of 
The  Holland.  It  will  have  six  floors  and  will  cover  half  a  block.  It  will  be  called 
The  Nelson,  and  will  contain  two  hundred  rooms.  The  cost,  including  furnishing 
and  decoration  will  be  $225,000.  and  a  well-known  Chicago  hotel  man  will  be  lessee. 

Plans  are  also  in  view  for  a  large  hotel  and  opera  house  on  the  East  Side,  to 
cost  $150,000.  The  opera  house  feature  will  probably  materialize  at  any  rate. 


RocKford's  Future. 


T  needs  no  pen  of  seer  or  prophet  to  cast  the  horoscope  of  the  Forest  City. 
When  a  man  stands  at  the  threshold  of  maturity,  and  is  sober,  honest, 
healthy,  industrious,  careful  and  rich,  it  needs  no  necromancer's  art  to  say 
what  he  will  be  ten  or  twenty  years  hence.  The  world  would  be  grievous- 
ly disappointed  did  he  not  prove  healthier,  wealthier,  and  wiser.  So  with  Rock- 
ford.  A  city  standing  in  so  promising  a  position  as  she  fills  to-day  cannot  well  help 
making  a  lofty  record  among  the  municipalities  of  the  world,  as  the  years  develop. 
There  is  no  pent-up  Utica  in  Winnebago  County,  Illinois.  A  city  set  upon  a  hill 
cannot  be  hid.  Millions  of  dollars  are  invested  within  her  limits  every  year.  All 
ventures  are  legitimate.  There  is  no  bubble  to  burst;  no  boom  to  prick;  no  mush- 
room to  grow  and  shrivel.  Her  own  citizens  have  unbounded  faith  in  her  future. 
They  do  n<5t  talk  of  moving  away.  Few  of  them  invest  surplus  money  in  Southern 
pine  or  Kansas  mortgages.  They  put  their  good  old  stuff  in  Rockford  and  watch  it 
grow  in  volume  as  the  months  go  by.  They  do  not  take  chances  in  thus  disposing 
of  their  funds.  Real  estate  is  held  comparatively  cheap,  and  every  house  erected 
finds  a  buyer  or  tenant  anxiously  awaiting  the  key.  There  is  an  assured  profit 
on  every  investment  in  home  building,  and  so  local  capital  remains  local  capital, 
instead  of  seeking  some  doubtful  speculation  in  western  wilds,  chimerical  corpora 
tions  or  vapor  baths.  It  is  needless  to  deduce  Rockford's  future  from  this.  It  is  a 
known  quantity.  Come  and  take  a  hand  in  it  if  you  will. 

—  87  — 


. 


ROCKFORD    CITY    HOSPITAL. 


CAI'.INKT     COMPANY 


Wt]at   RocKford   Wants. 


N  every  work  of  this  character,  every  city  write-up,  every  boom  edition,  you 
will  find  a  chapter  or  article  describing  the  city's  needs.  It  is  different  here. 
Rockford  asks  not  the  earthly  praise  or  prayer  of  any  one.  She  has  lots  of 
bridges,  railroads,  paved  streets,  city  lights,  water,  gas  and  street  cars,  and  her  citi- 
zens have  all  the  pie  and  ice  cream  they  can  eat.  Almost  everything  that  is  turned 
out  by  the  manufactories  of  the  land  is  the  product  of  some  one  of  her  hundreds  of 
industries.  She  is  handsomely  lodged,  well  fed  and  neatly  dressed.  There  is  ab- 
solutely nothing  that  she  needs  to  insure  her  happiness  or  permanence.  And  yet,  as 
in  every  prosperous  household,  the  aroma  of  hospitality  is  abroad.  She  welcomes 
all  good  and  honorable  citizens.  The  visiting  manufacturer  finds  greeting  and  co- 
operation ;  the  statesman,  the  merchant  and  the  commercial  tourist  are  alike  cor- 
dially received;  even  the  tramp  may  stay  out  of  jail  so  long  as  he  is  decently 
behaved.  In  fact  Rockford  welcomes  the  universe.  She  may  not  need  you  but 
she  can  at  least  find  time  to  take  off  her  working  apron  and  assure  you  that  she  is 
glad  you  are  here.  That  is  the  kind  of  a  hair-pin  Rockford  is. 


Yotirig  Mer}  to  tt]e  Froryt 


the  average  visitor  to  Rockford  an  astonishing  circumstance  is  the  leader- 
ship which  the  young  men  have  attained.  This  youthful  blood  has  had  much 
to  do  with  the  weal  of  the  municipality,  and  seems  to  course  with  energy 
through  its  every  vein.  The  young  men  are  called  "the  city  builders,"  and 
there  is  a  coterie  of  half  a  hundred  of  them  who  have  been  foremost  in  nearly  all 
the  recent  enterprises  that  have  added  to  the  city's  wealth  and  importance.  They 
are  tireless  workers,  but  poor  hoarders,  for  every  dollar  of  profit  gained  in  one  ven- 
ture is  at  once  embarked  in  some  new  enterprise.  They  take  chances,  too,  but 
governing  it  all  is  that  ability  for  financial  forecast  that  becomes  a  trait  of  Ameri- 
can character  when  thrown  into  active  business.  It  is  the  young  man  who  is  now 
called  higher  by  his  fellows.  He  fills  the  mayor's  chair,  and  the  council  is  drawn 
from  his  ranks.  Even  the  halls  of  congress  or  the  governor's  mansion  are  not  de- 
nied him.  In  Rockford  he  rules  the  roost.  Development  has  been  such  that  beards 
are  no  longer  necessary  to  inspire  confidence,  and  one  who  1s  on  the  sunny  side  of 
thirty  may  be  president  of  a  bank  or  corporation,  or  have  manifold  interests  in  his 
keeping.  The  young  man  with  the  small  capital  has  been  heard  from.  He  is  add- 
ing to  his  store,  and  his  active  business  methods  inspire  the  good  will  of  his  associ- 
ates. He  is  soon  at  the  front.  There  are  men  in  Rockford  who  have  not  yet  com- 
menced to  think  of  celebrating  their  thirty  fifth  birthday  who  are  in  one  way  or 
another  connected  with  all  the  way  from  a  dozen  to  twenty  different  enterprises 
and  find  time  to  carry  a  knowledge  of  them  all.  It  is  small  wonder  then  that  the 
young  man  commands  so  strong  a  regard  in  .the  public  mind.  Great  is  the  City 
Builder,  and  the  welfare  of  Rockford  is  his  "profit." 


GRAHAM'S    COTTON    MILLS. 


GRAHAM'S    DISTILLERY. 


Tale  of  Tfoto  Years. 


^  tae  rolling  time  of  two  "great  suns"  the  advance  of  Rockford  has 
challenged  the  admiration  of  the  country.  Two  years  have  added  fifty 
per  cent,  to  her  population,  and  have  started  twenty-seven  new  factories 
•within  her  borders.  A  dozen  other  industries  have  each  doubled  their  capacity, 
and  others  still  have  greatly  increased  their  business.  Nearly  one  thousand  homes 
have  been  built,  and  the  character  of  the  city's  business  blocks  has  entirely  changed. 
Over  $8,000,000  have  been  invested  in  manufacturing,  building  or  financial  enter- 
prises, and  it  is  apparently  but  a  start.  A  $225,000  hotel,  a  $150,000  office  building,  a 
$200,000  watch  factory,  are  but  examples  of  ventures  to  which  present  efforts  are 
being  turned,  and  there  are  still  greater  things  in  a  neophytic  condition.  The  two 
years  just  passed  have  but  spurred  the  community  on  to  greater  efforts.  The  mil- 
lions of  brick  that  have  been  laid  are  but  a  tithe  of  those  that  are  to  follow.  They  do 
not  go  to  build  any  Chinese  wall,  however,  but  to  build  busy  hives  of  industry 
and  commerce,  where  honest  labor  will  find  a  welcome  and  honest  capital  a  fit 
remuneration. 


Tt\e  S^edisl)  Citizens. 


foreign  element  of  the  population  of  the  city  is  mainly  composed  of  the 
peaceful  and  industrious  sons  of  Sweden,  who  make  the  best  citizens 
that  reach  this  country  from  other  lands.  Rockford  owes  much  to  them, 
and  the  claim  that  we  are  the  industrial  city  of  the  west  is  made  substantial 
through  their  efforts.  They  number  one-third  the  population  of  the  city,  and 
«very  one  is  proud  of  it.  The  enterprises  they  control  are  vast  in  character,  and 
they  are  also  extensively  interested  in  many  ventures  conducted  by  Americans  to 
the  manor  born.  A  large  insurance  company,  a  mammoth  building  and  loan  asso- 
ciation, and  two  substantial  banks  are  financial  corporations  controlled  by  them. 
The  largest  Swedish  church  and  congregation  in  the  United  States  is  located  here, 
and  there  are  seven  other  churches  where  services  are  conducted  in  that  language. 
There  are  145  Swedish  firms  or  individuals  in  business,  and  no  failures  among 
them.  Their  total  investments  in  commercial  and  financial  ventures  exceed  $8,000- 
003,  and  their  real  estate  holdings  will  reach  nearly  as  much  more.  They  control 
nearly  forty  prominent  industrial  concerns,  and  it  is  to  them  that  the  community 
owes  the  co-operative  idea  of  running  factories,  which  is  an  effective  barrier  against 
strikes  and  labor  troubles.  They  area  modest,  peaceful  class  of  citizens,  seldom 
interfering  or  aggressive  in  politics ;  always  industrious  and  frugul.  Their  work- 
ingmen  own  their  homes,  and  they  are  the  finest  residences  that  any  class  of  labor 
in  the  country  can  boast  of.  They  are  all  two-story  dwellings  of  modern  construc- 
tion, and  it  is  the  rule  rather  than  the  exception  that  they  cost  over  $1,500  each. 
They  have  built  up  one  of  the  handsomest  manufacturing  districts  in  the  world. 
To  the  stranger  it  is  a  marvel  how  such  things  can  be,  but  the  native  Rockfordite 


. 


NELSON     KNITTING     COMPANY. 


GLOBE     ( -LuTHINi;     COMPANY. 


no  longer  feels  surprised  if  his  Swedish  friend  out-does  him  in  home  building. 
They  are  citizens  of  whom  any  community  might  feel  justly  proud,  and  there  are  a 
number  of  leaders  among  them  who  are  found  in  the  front  rank  in  every  enterprise 
•with  which  the  welfare  of  the  city  is  in  anywise  connected.  Some  there  are'who^e 
names  will  be  found  as  stockholders  or  directors  in  a  score  of  different  ventures, 
and  one  man  at  least  is  an  officer  in  ten  corporations.  Active  men  of  business  they 
All  are  and  it  is  one  of  the  brightest  jewels  in  Rockford's  crown  that  so  many 
dwellers  within  her  limits  are  the  fair-haired  and  pink-cheeked  sons  and  daughters 
of  Svea. 


Electricity  ir\  RocKford. 


>HIS  magnificent  force  of  modern  times  which  puts  to  shame  all  the  genii  of 
oriental  fable  has  been  a  prime  factor  in  the  city's  development.  It  is 
chained  to  various  uses.  Light,  power,  motion,  in  their  best  forms,  own 
electricity  as  parent.  The  city  contains  an  almost  unrivalled  system  of 
electric  street  railway.  There  are  two  companies  who  have  expended  at  least 
$200,000  in  providing  rapid  transit  to  all  parts  of  Rockford  and  her  thriving  suburbs. 
The  Rockford  City  Railway  traverses  twenty-six  different  streets  and  have  fourteen 
miles  of  track  in  service.  They  have  franchises  for  four  miles  more  which  will  be 
laid  as  soon  as  possible.  They  operate  twenty  cars  at  present.  They  reach  the 
principal  manufacturing  and  residence  districts  and  also  lead  out  to  Harlem  park 
and  the  grounds  of  the  Rockford  Driving  Club.  Their  service  will  be  enlarged  and 
made  perfect  ere  the  season  closes. 

The  West  End  Street  Railway  passes  through  ten  streets  and  avenues  and 
reaches  the  large  factory  and  residence  additions  in  the  west  and  northwest  por- 
tions of  the  city.  They  also  run  to  the  Rockford  base  ball  park  and  the  West  End 
Observatory.  They  have  abouX  six  miles  of  track  and  are  now  running  six  hand- 
some cars,  the  line  starting  at  the  Holland  House  corner  in  the  heart  of  the  city. 
The  company  is  also  seeking  a  franchise  to  penetrate  the  East  Side. 

There  are  two  large  companies  who  furnish  light  and  power  and  their  wires 
extend  all  over  the  city  and  into  the  additions.  The  incandescent  light  is  in  almost 
general  use  in  stores  and  residences,  and  most  of  the  large  factories  operate  com- 
plete plants  of  their  own.  There  are  also  a  great  many  arc  lights  used  in  stores  and 
for  out-door  illumination.  The  city  is  now  formulating  a  plan  whereby  it  will  own 
its  own  electric  lighting  plant  and  illuminate  the  streets  with  almost  noon-day  splen- 
dor. 

The  telegraph  and  telephone  service  also  show  that  this  branch  of  electrical  ser- 
vice is  most  valuable.  The  offices  of  the  Western  Union  are  open  constantly,  and 
their  business  at  Rockford  is  very  great. 

The  telephone  system  and  service  in  Rockford  is  the  best  in  the  state.  There 
are  five  hundred  subscribers,  which  makes  the  office  rank  next  to  Chicago  in 
business.  In  the  central  part  of  the  city  the  lines  are  run  in  cables,  with  one  hun- 
dred wires  in  each.  This  prevents  entanglements  with  the  lines  of  the  electric  light 
and  railway  companies. 

The  Rockford  Electric  Manufacturing  Company,  who  turn  out  dynamos  and 
all  manner  of  electrical  appliances,  is  also  a  large  and  thriving  institution  of  this 

city. 

-93- 


ROCKFORD    BOLT    WORKS. 


ROCKFORD    MITTEN    AND    HOSIERY    COMPANY. 


Music  ir\  tl)e  Forest  City. 


'HILE  on  every  side  we  see  evidences  of  the  rapid  and  steady  growth  of 
our  city,  and  Rockford's  industries  have  won  for  her  merited  recogni- 
tion in  every  state  in  the  Union,  yet  not  alone  to  busy  manufactories,  to 
successful  business  enterprises,  nor  to  beauty  of  location  is  due  the 
precedence  which  she  has  attained.  But  the  energy  which  has  made  onr  industries 
a  success,  has  at  the  same  time  been  used  for  the  advancement  of  our  educational 
institutions,  and  the  cultivation  of  the  fine  arts,  and  these,  united,  have  made  Rock- 
ford  the  ideal  city  of  the  west.  Side  by  side  with  our  material  advancement  has 
been  the  onward  progress  of  musical  culture  in  our  midst. 

The  conservatory  of  music  in  connection  with  the  Seminary  is  an  outgrowth  of 
Prof.  D.  N.  Hood's  untiring  labor  in  the  capacity  of  musical  instructor  in  that  insti- 
tution, a  position  which  he  has  held  since  1858.  From  this  conservatory  have 
graduated  many  young  women  whose  musical  talent  has  attracted  more  than  local 
notice,  and  not  a  few  of  these  now  grace  Rockford's  musical  circles  and  wield  an 
influence  in  society  such  as  musicians  devoted  to  their  art,  alone  possess. 

An  outgrowth  of  the  Seminary  Conservatory  is  the  Mendelssohn  Club,  an 
organization  which  was  formed  in  October  1884.  The  original  membership  num- 
bered forty  ladies,  of  whom  nearly  all  were  graduates  of  the  Conservatory  of  Music 
and  some  of  whom  had  continued  their  studies  abroad.  Mrs.  Chandler  Starr  has 
been  the  president  of  the  Club  for  seven  years  and  to  her  enthusiasm  is  largely 
due  the  success  of  the  organization,  since  by  her  executive  ability  and  musical 
attainments  she  has  been  both  an  efficient  guide  and  an  inspiration.  The  meetings 
are  held  every  two  weeks  during  eight  menths  of  the  year,  one-half  of  the  member- 
ship furnishing  the  program  for  each  meeting.  Thus  thorough  and  constant 
practice  is  required  of  the  members  and  a  wide  range  of  composers  studied,  a 
work  of  the  individual  members  which  probably  no  musical  society  in  the  west 
has  before  successfully  maintained.  In  1888,  honorary  members  were  received  into 
this  society  for  the  first  time  and  they  now  number  seventy  ladies  who  are 
admitted  to  the  meetings  and  annual  musicales.  However,  the  efforts  of  the  Men- 
delssohn Club  have  not  been  for  their  own  exclusive  improvement,  but  for  their 
annual  complimentary  concerts  they  have  brought  to  our  city  some  of  the  best 
musical  talent  available  at  the  west,  and  thus  given  to  hundreds  of  our  people  the 
pleasure  and  the  culture  which  alone  can  be  secured  from  such  a  source.  Among 
the  artists  thus  secured  were  Messrs.  Liebling,  Becker  and  Eicheim  for  a  chamber 
concert  in  1886,  Mme.  Fannie  Bloomfield  and  Signorina  Varesi  in  1888,  Mme. 
Teresa  Carreno,  assisted  by  the  Mendelssohn  ladies'  chorus,  in  1889,  and  in  May  of 
this  year  the  Mendelssohn  Quintette  of  Boston.  Besides  these  artists,  they  also 
secured  Miss  Neally  Stevens,  of  Chicago,  for  piano  recital,  Miss  Amy  Fay  for  piano 
conversation,  and  Mr.  Frank  Fisher  Powers  and  Mrs.  Gerritt  Smith,  vocalists. 
The  society  has  itself  given  several  concerts  which  show  the  good  work  accom- 
plished by  the  members,  and  have  won  for  them  a  reputation  of  which  we  may 
justly  feel  proud. 

Besides  the  pianists  of  the  club  its  membership  includes  many  vocalists  of 
merit,  and  from  their  number  has  sprung  the  Ladies'  Mendelssohn  Quartette, 
which  is  now  readily  conceded  to  have  no  superior  in  any  western  city.  Their 

—  95  — 


RESIDENCE    OF    H.    H.    HAMILTON. 


I 


RESIDENCE    OF    MRS.    W.    D.    TRAHERX. 


soprano,  Miss  Addie  St.  John,  is  spending  several  months  in  England,  further  cul- 
tivating her  voice  under  the  guidance  of  the  renowned  instructor,  Shakespeare. 

The  Weber  Quartette  is  a  company  so  well  known  to  the  cities  throughout  the 
West,  that  it  requires  no  introduction,  and  needs  no  words  of  praise.  It  consists 
of  Messrs.  Myron  Barnes,  Chas.  Rogers,  Horace  Wellington,  and  Henry  Andrews, 
all  Rockford  young  men.  from  boyhood.  They  have  just  completed  a  tour  through 
the  western  states  where  they  have  received  the  ovation  of  professionals. 

The  Sons  of  Svea  have  also  accomplished  a  commendable  work  in  our  midst,  in 
the  training  of  a  large  chorus  of  Swedish  young  men.  They  number  sixty  voices, 
nnder  the  directorship  of  Mr.  Alfred  Larson. 

While  too  much  cannot  he  said  of  these  influences  which  have  made  Rockford 
audiences  foremost  among  western  cities  for  their  appreciation  of  all  that  is  high- 
est and  noblest  in  musical  composition,  yet  we  must  not  ignore  still  other  elements 
which  have  recently  entered  into  the  musical  fabric  of  our  city. 

Fitzgerald's  Orchestra  is  the  result  of  the  careful  selection  of  the  best  players 
our  city  affords,  many  of  whom  have  devoted  years  to  the  study  of  orchestral 
music.  Under  their  efficient  and  popular  leader,  Mr.  F.  A.  Fitzgerald,  this  organi- 
zation has  become  an  indispensible  quantity  in  our  city;  It  comprises  twenty-two 
pieces,  and  they  are  well  equipped  for  the  choice  musical  works  introduced  by  their 
leader. 

The  Watch  Factory  Band,  numbering  thirty-five  pieces,  has  more  than  a  local 
reputation.  With  the  influx  of  those  who  have  been  attracted  by  the  business  out- 
look of  Rockford,  we  have  been  fortunate  in  numbering  in  this  host  many  players 
from  cfties  East  and  West,  so  that  we  now  have  in  our  band,  musicians  of  exper- 
ience, and  their  work  is  already  rivaling  that  of  older  organizations.  Mr.  Fitzgerald 
is  also  leader  of  this  band,  and  himself  the  master  of  the  cornet.  The  Royal  Sewing 
Machine  Company's  Band,  Svea  Band,  Seventh  Street  Band,  and  Forest  City  Band 
are  working  in  the  same  line,  and  each  numbers  from  twelve  to  twenty  members. 
Rockford  presents  no  spasmodic  growth  of  the  musical  elements  which  enter  now 
so  vitally  into  her  existence,  but  side  bv  side  with  her  material  progress  and  keeping 
pace  with  the  educational  and  moral  advancement  has  been  the  development  of  those 
principles  which  so  certainly  affect  the  taste  and  indicate  the  culture  of  a  commun- 
ity. 

It  is  not  strange  with  all  these  things  conspiring  for  the  growth  of  our  city 
that  we  apply  the  ancient  proverb  of  Rome  to  our  own  community  and  claim  that 
"Every  road  leads  to  Rockford." 


Public  School  Systerr). 


.HE  educational  advantages  of  Rockford  are  most  excellent.  The  first  school 
was  established  during  the  year  1889  in  an  old  fashioned  house  built  of 
logs  on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  In  the  same  year  another  school  was 
started  on  the  west  side.  From  this  time  on  its  citizens  have  taken  the 
greatest  interest  in  the  public  schools  and  other  educational  institutions,  until  now  a 
diploma  from  the  Rockford  High  School  will  admit  the  student  to  such  institu- 
tions as  Ann  Arbor,  Madison,  Evanston,  Beloit,  and  other  colleges.  Elsewhere 
these  schools  have  been  briefly  alluded  to,  but  they  deserve  a  more  emphatic 
.notice.  The  Rockford  public  and  parochial  schools  dispense  their  inestimable 

—  97  — 


DR.     E.     C.    DUNN'S    RESIDENCE. 


A.    D.    FORBES'    RESIDENCE. 


essings  throughout  our  beautiful  city.  They  act  as  an  inspiration,  for  the  irri-- 
ressible  urchin  of  five  or  six  years,  delights  in  nothing  so  much  as  throwing 
way  his  infantile  toys,  abdicating  this  throne  of  "me  big  Injun,"  and  with  his 
atchel  and  shining  face,  marching  like  the  soldier  he  has  sometimes  played  him- 
:lf  to  be,  proudly  to  school.  It  is  his  first  step  to  learning  and  manhood.  The 
scellence  of  these  schools  of  Rockford  is  surpassed  nowhere,  and  are  equalled  in 
at  few  places.  They  are  the  pride  of  the  people,  the  opportunities  of  the  young, 
is  not  to  be  expected,  therefore,  that  these  agencies  should  be  permitted  to  lan- 
uish,  and  they  are  not.  No  citizen,  worthy  of  the  name,  begrudges  the  tax  levied 
>r  their  support.  The  official  school  census  of  Rockford,  submitted  June  30,  1890, 
lowed  9,912  children  between  the  ages  of  six  and  twenty-one.  The  city  owns  four- 
en  excellent  school  buildings  and  employs  eighty  competent  school  teachers.  A 
3t  of  the  schools,  cost  of  erection,  etc.,  might  not  be  out  of  place  here. 

THE  HIGH  SCHOOL.  This  building  has  the  most  approved  sanitary  arrangements, 
nd  all  egresses  open  outward.  It  is  in  charge  of  Prof.  Walter  A.  Edwards,  a 
raduate  of  Knox  College,  assisted  by  a  full  corps  of  competent  teachers.  The 
ist  of  the  building  was  about  $50,000. 

THE  LINCOLN  SCHOOL.  A  stone  building,  three  stories  in  height.  It  is  heated 
r  steam  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  450,  and  cost  $30,000.  It  is  in  charge  of  Mary 
,  Spottswood  as  principal. 

THE  ADAMS  SCHOOL.  The  building  is  a  three-story  stone  structure,  and  has  a 
sating  capacity  of  450  pupils.  Its  original  cost  was  $30,000.  This  is  in  charge  of 
ary  G.  McPberson  as  principal. 

THE  HALL  SCHOOL.  Is  a  two-story  stone  building,  and  has  a  seating  capacity 
f  350.  The  cost  of  this  building  was  $12,000.  The  school  is  in  charge  of  Miss 
mma  Coy  as  principal. 

THE  KENT  SCHOOL.  This  is  located  in  South  Rockford,  and  is  a  stone  build- 
g  two  stories  high,  and  cost  $25,000.  Prof.  O.  F.  Barbour  is  principal. 

THE  MARSH  SCHOOL.  This  is  a  two  story  brick  building,  and  accommodates 
5  pupils.  Cost,  $8,000,  and  is  in  charge  of  Rose  Cassidy. 

THE  KISHWAUKEE  SCHOOL.  Has  a  seating  capacity  of  200.  The  building  cost 
,000,  and  is  in  charge  of  Matilda  J.  Nygren  as  principal. 

THE  MONTAGUE  SCHOOL.  Is  a  two-story  brick  building,  and  cost  $12,000.  Capa- 
ty  170.  Elpha  S.  Moffatt  is  principal. 

THE  BLAKE  SCHOOL.  Cost,  $6,000,  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  150  pupils, 
anny  Lyons  is  principal. 

THE  HASKELL  SCHOOL.  Cost  $10,000,  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  175.  Anna 
onanghy  is  principal. 

THE  ELLIS  SCHOOL.  Cost  $7,000,  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  160.  Isabella  M. 
unter  is  principal. 

THE  NELSON  SCHOOL.  Costing  $10,000,  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  175,  and  is 
>w  in  charge  of  Mrs.  Marie  \V.  Rice  as  principal. 

THE  GARRISON  SCHOOL.  Has  a  seating  capacity  of  150,  and  cost  $12,000.  This 
:hool  is  in  charge  of  Grace  K.  Crumb  as  principal. 

THE  WIGHT  SCHOOL.  Has  just  been  completed  at  a  cost  of  $25,000.  This 
;hool  is  in  charge  of  Mary  C.  Foote  as  principal. 

Besides  these  there  is  an  annex  in  charge  of  Jennie  McAnarney. 

Prof.  P.  R.  Walker  is  general  superintendent  of  city  schools. 

-99- 


RocKford  Senqiriary. 


(T  N  all  the  ages  of  the  past,  from  the  time  the  morning  stars  first  sang  together 
/xj\  down  to  the  present,  there  has  never  been  a  movement  which  had  for  its  pur- 
pose the  betterment  of  mankind  but  had  its  origin  in  woman's  heart,  and  it 
was  woman's  hand  that  guided  it  to  an  end.  There  have  been  few  move- 
ments of  prominence  of  any  kind  but  have  had  their  principal  chapters  rendered 
more  entrancing  by  the  deeds  or  sayings  of  women.  In  all  the  names  handed  down 
by  history,  of  the  women  rendered  most  famous,  all  are  those  whose  minds  were 
well  stored  with  knowledge,  and  to-day,,  as  in  days  gone  by,  it  is  the  educated 
woman  who  is  not  only  most  highly  prized  but  most  useful  as  well. 

Our  excellent  public  schools  of  Rockford  are  worthy  preparatory  institutions, 
fitting  our  girls  and  boys  to  take  their  places  in  the  world  of  battle,  but  it  is  to  our 
higher  institutions  of  learning  that  must  be  given  the  credit  for  the  brightness 
which  surrounds  the  names  and  lives  of  many  of  our  people  of  the  past  and  pres- 
ent. Probably  there  are  none  of  the  leading  institutions  of  learning  in  our  land 
that  has  given  to  society  more  bright  ornaments  in  the  way  of  cultured  women  than 
has  the  famous  and  justly  famed  Rockford  Seminary.  The  Rockford  Seminary  is 
collegiate  in  character,  and  bears  the  title  on  account  of  the  popularity  of  that 
title  forty  years  ago,  when  the  Seminary  was  founded.  The  location  of  the  Semi- 
nary on  high  ground  in  East  Rockford,  commanding  a  full  view  of  the  pretty  For- 
est City  and  the  shining  waters  of  the  romantic  Rock  River,  are  such  as  to  com- 
mend it  as  a  health  resort.  The  Seminary  is  not  a  denominational  school,  yet  it  is 
strictly  a  Christian  school.  Its  buildings,  as  will  be  seen  by  engravings  in  another 
part  of  this  book,  are  extensive  brick  buildings  in  the  midst  of  a  grove  of  oak  and 
hickory  trees,  covering  in  all  ten  acres  in  extent.  The  Seminary  is  very  popular, 
and  numbers  among  its  pupils  each  year  students  from  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  One  of  the  features  which  has  done  much  to  build  up  the  popularity  of  the 
school  with  parents  is  the  fact  that  the  health  of  the  pupils  is  carefully  looked 
after.  This  is  done  by  a  comprehensive  system  of  training  in  the  gymnasium,  run 
under  the  Sargent  rules  now  in  vogue  in  Harvard  University.  Frequent  examina- 
tions are  made  and  the  health  of  the  pupil  is  noted,  and  anything  calculated  to 
over-exert  is  forbidden.  The  home  life  of  the  school  partakes  more  of  the  home 
than  the  ordinary  boarding  school,  and  is  pleasant  in  all  its  features.  The  faculty 
of  the  Seminary  has  always  been  graced  by  the  names  of  many  of  the  country's 
leading  educators,  and  to-day  it  is  among  the  best  in  the  land.  Below  will  be 
found  the  Board  of  Trustees  now  in  charge  of  this  excellent  school: 

Board  of  Trustees— Prof.  Joseph  Emerson,  D.  D.,  President,  Beloit,  Wis. ;  G.  A. 
Sanford,  Esq.,  Vice-President,  Rockford;  Thomas  D.  Robertson,  Esq.,  Treasurer, 
Rockford;  Wm.  A.  Talcott.,  Esq.,  Secretary,  Rockford. 

Executive  Committee— Hon.  Wm.  Lathrop,  Chairman;  Sarah  F.  Anderson, 
Secretary;  Wm  A.  Talcott,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Seely  Perry,  John  Barnes,  Esq.,  Henry  H. 
Robinson,  Esq. 

The  officers  of  government  and  instruction  are:  Sarah  F.  Anderson,  Acting 
Principal  and  Financial  Secretary;  Jessie  I.  Spafford,  B.  A.,  Mathematics  and 
Physical  Science;  Lena  C.  Leland,  M.  D.,  Resident  Physician  and  Teacher  in  Physi- 
ology; Elizabeth  Eastman,  B.  A.,  Rhetoric  and  Composition;  Phebe  T.  Sntliff,  M. 
A.,  History;  Elizabeth  L.  Herrick,  French  Language  and  Literature;  Alice  A.  Berry, 

-101- 


GOVERNMENT    BUILDING.    1891-92. 


Y.     M.     C.     A.     BUILDINc;. 


B.  A.,  Greek  and  Latin;  Florence  Bascom,  B.  S.,  M.  A.,  Chemistry  and  Natural 
Sciences;  Alice  L.  Hulburd,  B.  A.,  History;  Julia  H.  Gulliver,  Ph.  D., 
Philosophy:  Anna  C.  Behrens,  German  Language  and  Litera- 
ture; Lilian  Jacoby,  B.  A.,  Drawing  and  Painting;  Olive  Rumsey, 
English  Literature  and  Teacher  of  English:  Effle  Lauagan,  Italian  and  Teacher  of 
Latin;  Anna  H.  Lathrop,  B.  A.,  Teacher  of  English;  Elizabeth  Ballard  Thompson, 
B.  A.,  Teacher  of  Mathematics;  Edith  A.Sherman,  Director  of  the  Gymnasium; 
Emma  G.  Lumm,  Teacher  of  Elocution;  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  Gregory,  Matron;  Marion 
I.  Mead,  Book-keeper  and  Librarian 

Department  of  Music— Prof.  Daniel  N.  Hood.  Instrumental  Music;  Addie  L. 
St.  John,  Vocal  Music;  Sarah  Burton,  Vocal  Music;  Mary  R.  Wilkins,  B.  A.,  Har- 
mony. 


Directory. 


CENTENNIAL  M.  E.  CHURCH.  South  Third  Steeet.  Rev.  J.  R.  Hamilton,  pas- 
tor. Property  cost  $63,000.  Church  has  600  members. 

COURT  STREET  M.  E.  CHURCH.  Corner  Mulberry  and  Court  Streets.  Rev.  W. 
A.  Phillips,  pastor.  Rev.  W.  H.  Haight,  presiding  elder  Rockford  district.  Prop 
erty  valued  at  $100,000.  Church  will  seat  2/200  persons,  and  has  a  membership  of 
nearly  800. 

GRACE  M.  E.  CHURCH.  Meets  in  Judd's  Hall,  West  End.  Rev.  F.  D.  Sheets, 
pastor.  Organized  1891  with  one  hundred  members. 

NINTH  STREET  M.  E.  CHURCH.  Building  new  edifice  on  Ninth  Street,  to  cost 
$10,000.  Rev.  J.  F.  Wardle,  pastor.  Has  about  100  members. 

WINNEBAGO  STREET  M.  E  CHURCH.  Organized  in  1864.  Located  in  South 
Rockford.  Rev.  Henry  Lea,  pastor.  Church  property  valued  at  $20,000.  Has  300 
members. 

SWEDISH  METHODIST  CHURCH.  Brick  edifice,  corner  First  Avenue  and  Fourth 
Street.  Rev.  A.  A.  Dahlberg,  pastor. 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  Comer  of  Church  and  Mulberry  Streets.  Dr.  C.  H. 
Mo^crip,  pastor.  Building  erected  in  1S53.  Property  valued  at  $i8.000.  Church 
has  300  members. 

STATE  STREET  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  Organized  in  1858,  and  located  at  corner  of 
State  and  Third  Streets.  Rev.  J.  T.  Burhoe,  pastor.  Property  valued  at  $33,030. 

SWKDISH  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  Brick  edifice  at  corner  of  Seventh  Street  and 
Fourth  Avenue.  Rev.  Petrus  Swartz,  pastor. 

FIR*T  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH  Organized  in  1837.  Now  located  at  corner 
of  Kishu-aukt-e  Street  and  Fir«t  Avenue.  Rev.  W.  W.  Leete,  pastor.  Property 
valuel  at  161,000. 

—  103  — 


SECOND  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH.  Organized  1849.  New  edifice  at  corner 
of  Church  and  North  Streets,  to  seat  2,000  persons.  Dr.  Walter  M.  Barrows,  pas- 
tor. Value  of  all  church  property,  $150,000. 

LINCOLN  MISSION.  Colored.  Meets  in  First  Congregational  Church  Sunday 
afternoons. 

FIRST  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.  Organized  1854.  Brick  edifice  at  corner  of  Third 
and  Oak.  Largest  Swedish  church  and  congregation  in  the  United  States.  Mem- 
bership nearly  2,200.  Rev.  L.  A.  Johnston,  pastor.  Church  property  valued  at 
$75,000. 

ZION  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.  Corner  of  First  Avenue  and  Sixth  Street.  Present 
church  built  in  1885  at  a  cost  of  $30,000.  Membership  about  700.  Rev.  S.  G.  Ohman, 
pastor.  Church  building  of  brick  and  will  seat  1,000  persons. 

EMMANUEL  GERMAN  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.  Corner  Third  Avenue  and  Sixth 
Street.  Rev.  A.  Fors,  pastor.  Edifice  valued  at  $15,000,  and  will  seat  800  persons. 

FIRST  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.  Corner  of  Chestnut  and  Church  Streets.  Rev. 
Prof.  G.  J.  Kannmacher,  pastor. 

ST.  PAUL'S  GERMAN  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.  Chestnut  Street,  between  Church  and 
Court.  Brick  edifice  worth  $10,000.  Rev.  L.  W.  Dorn,  pastor. 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH.  North  Main  Street,  near  Mulberry.  Church 
erected  in  1868.  Property  valued  at  $60,000.  Society  organized  in  1&54.  Rev.  Geo. 
Harkness,  pastor. 

WESTMINSTER  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH.  Organized  in  1856.  Brick  church 
edifice,  valued  atl$20,000;  located  at  corner  of  Second  and  Oak  Streets.  Society  has 
300  members.  Rev.  W.  M.  Campbell,  pastor. 

CHURCH  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  UNION.  Undenominational.  New  edifice  finished 
1891,  at  a  value  of  $60,000.  Has  500  members.  Dr.  Thomas  Kerr,  pa«tor. 

EMMANUEL^  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH.  Corner  North  and  Church  Streets.  Dean  D. 
C.  Peabody,  rector.  Property  valued  at  $25,000.  Church  has  about  300  communi- 
cants. 

ST.  JAMES  CATHOLIC  CHURCH.  North  Second  Street.  Rev.  Fr.  J.  J.  Flaherty, 
priest  in  charge.  Have  church  building,  school  and  deanery,  valued  at  $50,000. 
There  are  about  800  parishioners. 

ST.  MARY'S  CATHOLIC  CHURCH.  Corner  of  Winnebago  and  Elin  Streets. 
Have  one  of  the  handsomest  edifices  in  the  city.  Whole  property  valued  at  $85,000. 
Rev.  Fr.  M.  L.  McLaughlin,  priest  in  charge;  Father  Wolff,  assistant.  There  are 
about  2,500  parishioners  on  the  roll.  The  church  will  seat  nearly  1,500  persons. 

SWEDISH  MISSION  TABERNACLE.  Corner  Kishwaukee  Street  and  Third  Avenue. 
Rev.  F.  M.  Johnson,  pastor.  Church  will  seat  800  persons. 

FIRST  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH.  North  First  Street,  between  Market  and  Jefferson. 
Rev.  H.tM.  Dennis,  pastor.  Church  is  of  brick,  will  seat  400,  and  is  valued  at 
18,000.. 

CALVARY  UNION  EVANGELICAL  MISSION.  Located  on  Kilburn  Ave.  Rev.  T, 
J.  Hunter,  pastor. 

SWEDISH  FREE  METHODIST  CHURCH.  Meets  over  302  East  State  Street.  Rev. 
H.  B.  Marks,  pastor. 

—  105  — 


BLAKEMAN    &    DOBSON    CHURN    FACTORY. 


Z.     B.     STURTEVANT    FLOUR    MILL. 


Her  Health  is  Good. 


EATH  stalks  through  many  communities  in  the  form  of  an  epidemic. 
Some  cities  have  been  ravaged  by  cholera,  and  others  have  been  pillaged 
by  grim  yellow  jack.  Here  lurks  miasma  and  there  the  pestilence. 
Thrice  happy,  then,  must  be  the  spot  so  situated  that  no  plague  can 
reach  it;  where  summer's  sun  and  winter's  chill  are  so  tempered  that  suffering  is 
unknown,  and  where  the  dry,  clear  breeze  of  the  upland  prairie  bears  health  and 
energy  on  its  wings.  Much  of  the  vigor  of  Rockford  and  Northern  Illinois  is  due  to 
the  even  and  healthful  climate  she  enjoys.  The  country  is  well  above  the  lake 
level;  there  are  no  swamps  or  miasmatic  spots,  and  the  surface  drainage  is  of  the 
best.  The  average  temperature  is  above  sixty  degrees,  which  scientists  assert  to 
be  about  the  proper  medium.  There  are  no  blizzards  or  extreme  cold  waves,  and 
in  summer  the  sun  is  seldom  oppressive.  The  climate  may  well  be  described  by 
the  word  genial.  It  is  healthful,  and  the  ravages  of  an  epidemic  are  unknown. 
Rockford  has  the  best  and  purest  water  to  be  found  in  the  state.  She  has  a  perfect 
system  of  sewerage.  She  has  an  effective  sanitary  bureau  and  a  complete  method 
of  house  to  house  inspection.  No  pains  or  expense  are  spared  to  maintain  her  won- 
derful reputation  as  a  healthy  city.  The  death  rate  will  not  reach  twelve  per 
thousand  a  year,  and  her  citizens  can  stay  and  attend  to  business  through  all  sea- 
eons  without  experiencing  discomfort.  As  a  matter  of  fact  Rockford  might  well 
advertise  herself  as  a  health  resort,  for  there  is  certainly  no  city  in  the  land  that  can 
make  a  better  showing.  She  is  in  "the  health  belt,"  and  her  people  are  ruddy,  vig- 
orous, and  full  of  sand. 


Miles  of  Lumber 


is  a  more  convincing  sign  of  the  endurance  and  prosperity  of  a 
community  than  the  erection  of  hundreds  of  handsome  homes.  They 
indicate  plainer  than  words  can  do  that  the  spot  is  one  upon  which  the 
world  has  set  the  seal  of  approval.  They  deal  with  substance  rather  than 
shadow.  It  may  be  taken  as  a  general  rule  that  dwellings  are  not  built  unless 
there  is  someone  to  occupy  them.  The  element  of  speculation  is  almost  unknown 
in  home  building.  Either  a  man  builds  for  himself  or  else  he  pretty  nearly  knows 
who  is  to  occupy  the  house  he  is  constructing.  Therefore,  if  eleven  hundred  new 
houses  are  built  in  one  city  within  a  twelve-month,  it  may  be  taken  for  granted 
that  there  is  a  growing  and  energetic  municipality.  Even  during  the  winter 
months  the  good  work  was  going  on,  and  the  visitor  who  drove  over  the  city  on 
last  Christmas  day  would  have  found  no  less  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  residences 
in  various  stages  of  completion.  Up  in  the  North  End  additions  there  are  one- 
hundred  and  twenty-five  elegant  homes  where  the  corn  was  waving  bat  little  more 
than  a  year  a<_ro.  In  the  West  End  a  similar  condition  exists,  and  the  factories 

—  in:  — 


FOREST    CITY    KNITTING    COMPANY.      1891. 


-KAN  1)1  A     PLOW     COMPANY. 


there  are  being  surrounded  by  attractive  dwellings.  East  and  southeast  have  also 
baen  turned  over  to  the  builder  and  contractor,  and  many  of  the  finest  residences 
in  the  city  are  there  to  be  found.  The  lumber  used  in  a  season's  building  opera- 
tions in  Rockford  exceeded  40,000,000  feet,  and  would  make  a  railroad  train  more 
than  twenty  miles  long.  Most  of  this  went  into  house  building,  and  when  the 
stores  and  factories  are  added  to  the  list  the  season's  work  will  exceed  11,500,000. 
The  present,  season  promises  to  be  even  greater,  as  several  very  expensive  build- 
ings are  to  be  included  in  the  list.  It  will  be  but  a  little  time  oefore  Rockford  will 
be  one  of  the  best  built  cities  in  the  west.  Four  to  six-story  buildings  are  becom- 
ing the  rule,  and  the  residences  will  compare  with  those  of  any  city  in  the  land.  A 
thousand  more  new  houses  will  be  built  within  another  year,  and  still  it  will  be 
found  difficult  to  find  a  place  to  lay  the  head.  There  are  no  vacant  stores  or  dwell- 
ings in  the  city  to-day,  and  small  prospect  of  there  being  any  for  some  time  to 
come.  House  building  is  a  certain  investment,  and  with  the  judicious  purchase  of 
real  estate  can  be  made  to  yield  a  profit  of  ten  to  twenty -five  per  cent,  the  first 
year.  The  men  who  build  houses  in  Rockford  are  taking  no  chances.  They  are 
backing  a  sure  thing.  There's  no  such  word  as  fail. 


Ur^cle  Sard's   Business. 


i HE  postage  stamp  gets  thoroughly  licked  in  Rockford  and  the  business 
transacted  in  Uncle  Sam's  office  is  very  extensive.  The  reports  of  the  Post- 
master General  upon  the  affairs  of  the  128  first-class  offices  in  the  land, 
show  that  Rockford  stands  far  higher  than  her  population  would  warrant. 
She  ranks  with  cities  of  40,000  or  50,000  population.  There  is  no  better  criterion 
of  a  city's  enterprise  and  commercial  standing  than  these  self-same  post-ofllce 
statements.  The  last  report  shows  that  the  receipts  of  the  office  are  over  $55,000  a 
year.  The  per  cent,  of  increase  over  the  previous  year's  business  is  thirteen,  which 
is  just  the  same  as  the  advance  in  Chicago  and  greater  than  any  other  city  in  the 
*tate.  Take,  in  fact,  all  statistics— postal,  railroad,  financial  and  otherwise,  and 
they  clearly  show  that  Rockford  is  the  second  city  in  the  great  state  of  Illinois. 
It  takes  a  Chicago  to  beat  her.  The  manufactories,  the  insurance  companies,  tin- 
seed  farms,  and  the  real  estate  interests  all  aid  in  swelling  the  purse  of  Uncle  Sam, 
who  makes  an  annual  net  profit  of  over  130,000  out  of  the  Forest  City.  Col.  Thomas 
G.  Lawler  is  the  efficient  postmaster.  He  has  eight  office  assistants  and  fourteen 
•carrier*.  Two  more  carriers  are  needed  and  will  be  allowed.  There  are  sixty  street 
boxes.  The  carriers  handle  over  6,000,000  pieces  of  mail  matter  each  year,  and  do 
it  with  smiling  faces.  So  important  has  the  postal  business  of  Rockford  become 
that  the  last  congress  appropriated  $100,000  for  the  erection  of  a  suitable  govern- 
ment building,  and  elaborate  plans  have  already  been  prepared  for  the  structure, 
work  upon  the  foundation  of  which  is  already  undertaken.  It  will  be  an  edifice  in 
•which  the  citizens  may  take  justifiable  pride. 


ILLINOIS    CHAIR    COMPANY.       1891. 


HESS    &    HOPKINS'    TANNERY. 


Wir]r)ebago    County. 


ILLINOIS  was  admitted  into  the  union  of  states  in  April  1818,  and  at  that  time 
its  population  was  but  a  trifle  larger  than  Rockford  boasts  of  to-day.    What  is 
now  Winuebago  county  was  visited  by  white  people  in  1812  and  1833.    The 
first  white  settler,  however,  is  generally  reputed  to  have  been  Stephen  Mack, 
who  pitched  his  cabin  near  the  mouth  of  the  Pecatonica  river,  about  twelve 
miles  north  of  the  Rockford  of  the  present  day,   some  time  about  1829.    Stephen 
was  a  college  graduate,  a  Vermonter.  and  something  of  a  dude,  but  for  some  reason 
he  drifted  west  into  the  fur  business,  married  a  squaw  and  became  the  patron 
saint  of  Winnebago  county.     In  after  years  when  the  ford  had  become  Rockford 
and  a  seminary  had  been  reared,  two  of  his  daughters  attended  school  there  for  a 
time.    But  their  wild  Indian  blood  rebelled  and  they  soon  drifted  away  to  the  reser- 
vation in  Minnesota. 

John  Phelps  cruised  down  the  Pecatonica  from  Mineral  Point,  Wis  ,  in  1833, 
and  landed  where  South  Rockford  now  spreads  herself.  He  stopped  but  a  short 
time,  however,  but  took  to  his  canoe  again  and  journeyed  down  to  start  the  town  of 
Oregon.  In  the  month  of  August  of  the  following  year  Germanicus  Kent  of  Ala- 
bama and  Thatcher  Blake  of  Maine  came  down  from  Galena  by  wagon  and  boat 
and  struck  the  same  South  Rockford  spot.  There  they  settled  and  Kent  built  a 
saw  mill,  near  the  mouth  of  what  is  now  Kent's  creek.  Both  pioneers  are  now 
dead,  but  Mrs.  Thatcher  Blake  still  lives  in  a  handsome  home  on  a  portion  of  the 
beautiful  farm  her  husband  claimed  on  the  bank  of  Rock  river,  just  south  of  the 
city  limits.  After  the  arrival  of  these  settlers  the  country  began  to  receive  numer- 
ous sturdy  pioneers.  They  came  mainly  from  the  New  England  States.  In  June 
1835  the  population  of  the  Rockford  settlement  was  eleven  souls  and  a  like  number 
of  bodies.  In  Janaary  1836,  the  county  of  Winnebago  was  organized,  then  includ- 
ing what  is  now  the  county  of  Boone.  In  August  1836.  the  first  election  was  held, 
and  li.*0  votes  were  cast.  Wiunebago  county  was  in  1840  set  apart  to  its  present 
eize.  Now  it  is  one  of  the  greatest  counties  in  a  great  state.  It  contains  50,000 
busy  people,  and  for  manufacturing  and  agriculture  casts  down  its  gauntlet  to  the 
entire  nation.  The  farming  districts  are  wealthy  and  teem  with  the  best  products'of 
the  soil.  Nature  intended  Winuebago  to  be  a  magnificent  and  prosperous  area,  and 
the  results  have  not  belied  her  wishes. 

The  affairs  of  the  county  have  ever  been  administered  with  fidelity  and  wis- 
dom. She  has  always  been  well  governed.  The  most  imposing  court  house  in  Illi- 
nois outside  of  Chicago  was  built  here  at  a  cost  of  1250,000.  All  the  buildings, 
bridgts,  and  improvements  owned  by  the  county  are  of  the  very  best,  and  in  deed 
and  truth  she  blossoms  aa  the  rose.  The  leading  county  officials  at  the  present 
time  are: — 

County  Judge— RUFUS  C.   BAILEY. 

County  Clerk— MARCUS  A.  NORTON. 
Circuit  Clerk— LEWIS  F.  LAKE. 
Sheriff— JOEL  BURBANK. 

County  Treasurer— JOHN  BEATSON. 
State's  Attorney— CHAP.  A.  WORKS. 
Supt.  of  Schools— CHAS.  J.  KINNIE. 
Coroner— N.  S.  AAOESEN. 

Master-in-Cbancery— H.  Wr.  TAYLOP. 


RHOADES- UTTER    PAPER    MILL. 


GEO.     F.     PENFIELD'S    RESIDENCE. 


Real  Estate  irj  RocKford, 


ESTATE  is  the  basis  of  all  values,  the  foundation  of  all  investments. 
From  the  dawn  of  time  to  the  tail  end  of  eternity  it  was  and  must  be 
considered  the  chief  factor  in  the  world's  material  advancement.  Colum- 
bus  was  looking  for  real  estate  when  he  sailed  westward  and  discovered 
a  new  hemisphere.  Those  Spanish  adventurers  of  three  and  four  hundred 
years  ago  were  all  real  estate  prospectors  and  speculators.  It  is  true  they  wanted 
mines  of  gold  and  silver  thrown  in,  but  still  they  did  not  fail  to  raise  the  royal 
standard  and  claim  the  real  estate  in  the  name  of  the  king.  Conquest  is  but 
another  name  for  transfering  realty.  Alexander  was  the  greatest  landholder  of  his 
time,  and  he  died  crying  because  there  were  not  more  additions  he  might  open. 
This  passion  for  land  acquirement  has  been  the  means  of  bearing  civilization  into 
many  a  dark  corner  of  the  earth.  The  pioneer  and  the  explorer  have  made  this 
world  the  desirable  place  of  residence  it  is.  The  sturdy  sons  of  New  England 
wandered  forth  into  the  west,  and  lo  !  the  Mississippi  valley  blossomed  as  the  rose. 
They  saw  that  the  land  was  fair  and  so  they  possessed  it.  It  is  to  their  wisdom 
and  forethought;  their  ambition  for  real  estate  possession,  that  Rockford  to-day 
owes  her  prosperity.  Those  enterprising  settlers  have  made  corner  lots  valuable, 
and  caused  Rockford  realty  to  become  good  as  gold.  They  live  to  see  the  fruition 
of  their  hopes,  and  as  the  city  spreads  they  smile. 

The  development  of  Rockford  is  in  no  one  direction.  The  railroads  so  sur- 
round it  that  all  parts  possess  eqnal  advantages.  They  build  side  tracks  wherever 
asked,  and  all  factories  are  placed  upon  equal  footing  so  far  as  railway  and  shipping 
facilities  are  concerned.  Thus  it  has  been  that  Rockford  has  quietly  spread 
herself  in  all  directions.  The  North  End,  the  West  End,  the  East  Side,  and  the 
South  Side  have  all  swelled  without  detriment  to  one  another.  A  dozen  sub-divi- 
sions have  been  opened  up,  and  each  one  has  demonstrated  the  need  of  the 
community  for  it.  No  wild  western  methods  are  needed  to  float  Rockford  real 
estate.  The  newer  additions  contain  no  less  than  twenty  of  the  largest  factories  in 
the  city.  The  employes  in  nearly  every  instance  are  heads  of  families,  and  what  is 
more  natural  than  that  they  should  desire  a  home  near  where  they  are  employed? 
The  result  is  that  clean,  cozy  and  cheerful  manufacturing  additions  surround  the 
city,  and  real  estate  is  everywhere  enhanced  in  value.  It  is  a  matter  of  record  that 
a  dollar  was  never  lost  in  an  investment  in  Rockford  realty,  and  that  many  persons 
have  made  snug  fortunes  with  but  little  capital  to  start  with.  The  advance  in 
values  has  been  rapid,  but  well  sustained.  The  rule  of  supply  and  demand  is  made 
to  apply  to  the  real  estate  business.  There  is  no  unnatural  forcing  of  property 
upon  the  market.  Men  who  build  homes  and  intend  to  occupy  them  themselves 
are  permitted  to  buy  lots  at  bed-rock  prices,  and  are  also  given  financial  assistance 
as  the  work  of  construction  goes  on.  There  is  no  speculation  in  real  estate  circles. 
No  man  is  taking  any  chances  or  running  any  risk  when  he  puts  money  in  land  in 
the  Forest  City.  Prices  are  not  up  in  the  skies.  Desirable  lots  in  the  best  manu- 
facturing and  residence  additions  can  be  had  for  from  $200  to  $800.  They  are 
invariably  50x150  feet  in  size,  and  are  easily  accessible  by  one  of  the  numerous 
rapid  electric  car  lines.  Along  the  river  are  some  of  the  handsomest  residence 
sites  imaginable,  and  these  sub-divisions  are  being  built  up  with  a  very  superior 
class  of  homes.  Values  are  correspondingly  higher,  and  the  purchaser  willingly 
pays  $1,200  to  $2,000  for  his  bargain.  Highland,  Sunrise,  Churchill  Place,  and  other 
East  Side  additions  are  also  purely  residence  sub-divisions,  and  being  well  built  up. 
The  other  additions  contain  more  or  less  manufacturing,  and  property  has  a  pcrma- 

—  113  — 


nent  and  known  value.    In  the  southeast  part  of  the  city  a  remarkable  development 
in  this  respect  is  noted. 

Property  in  the  business  portion  of  the  heart  of  the  city  is  held  at  well  advanced 
prices,  but  in  all  other  directions  there  is  no  attempt  to  crowd  values.  Realty  at 
the  junction  of  the  two  principal  streets  of  the  city  cannot  be  touched  for  11,500  a 
foot,  although  the  lots  are  but  seventy  feet  deep,  and  this,  too,  without  taking  the 
buildings  into  consideration.  Property  on  Main  and  State  streets,  in  the  commer- 
cial center,  ranges  from  1250  to  $1,00 )  per  foot.  These  values  have  been  maintained 
for  several  years,  and  clearly  indicate  the  permanence  and  stability  of  a  Rockford 
investment.  Two  years  ago  a  syndicate  sought  to  secure  a  site  on  West  State  street 
on  which  to  erect  a  huge  office  building.  They  tramped  from  one  end  to  the  other 
and  could  find  no  one  who  desired  to  sell.  The  office  building  is  now  erected  on 
another  street  where  a  vacant  site  was  found.  The  old  city— the  Rockford  of  ten 
years'  ago— is  well  built  up.  Very  little  of  it  is  for  sale,  and  that  by  parties  who 
desire  to  build  and  dwell  in  the  newer,  out-lying  portions,  which  are  made  central 
and  accessible  by  rapid  electric  railway  lines.  The  development  of  these  additions 
has  been  remarkable.  The  class  of  residences  erected  are  superior  in  their  average 
to  those  in  the  more  central  part  of  the  city.  The  lots  were  purchased  for  one-third 
or  one-half  the  prices  of  the  others,  and  yet  the  resident  can  reach  his  store  or  office 
in  less  time  than  his  down-town  friend.  He  rides;  the  other  walks.  For  the 
thousands  who  are  employed  in  the  factories,  and  who  are  in  most  instances  heads 
of  families,  the  land  surrounding  these  industrial  institutions  is  in  great  demand. 
They  want  homes,  and  they  are  enabled  to  purchase  lots  at  very  reasonable  figures. 
Many  shrewd  investors  are  putting  up  large  numbers  of  dwellings,  and  are  renting 
or  selling  them  so  as  to  net  a  handsome  profit.  There  is  room  for  more  of  these. 
The  demand  for  houses  is  far  greater  than  the  supply.  The  enterprising  men 
interested  in  the  development  of  these  newer  residence  districts  have  put  in  at 
least  a  million  dollars  of  their  own  money,  and  have  laid  a  sure  foundation.  They 
offer  fair  and  square  propositions  to  capitalist  and  workingman  alike.  Lets  for 
actual  home  builders  may  be  bought  at  very  low  figures,  with  an  absolute  certainty 
of  their  being  a  profitable  investment.  Rockford  people  invest  their  savings  in 
Rockford  realty.  They  realize  that  they  are  taking  no  chances  then. 


Tt\e  Bridges. 


EAUTIFUL  Rock  River  winds  through  Rockford,  and  divides  it  into  two 
districts  almost  equal  in  population.  Six  costly  bridges  span  this  stream, 
and  trade  and  commerce  goes  back  and  forth  upon  them.  They  represent 
an  outlay  of  $250,000  on  the  part  of  the  city  and  the  railroads.  It  has  been  the 
policy  of  the  municipality  to  build  well.  The  steel  plate  girder  bridge  at  State 
street,  which  was  put  in  last  year,  cost  the  city  over  $60,000,  and  is  said  to  be  the 
strongest  and  best  constructed  road  bridge  in  the  United  States.  It  was  completed 
early  in  1891  by  the  contractors,  the  Massillon  Bridge  Company,  of  Massillon, 
Ohio.  The  bridge  is  about  five  hundred  feet  in  length,  and  stands  on  four  stone 
piers,  with  massive  abutments  on  either  bank.  It  is  a  superb  specimen  of  bridge 
construction  in  its  every  detail.  There  are  also  twenty  excellent  bridges  across 
Kent's  and  Keith's  Creeks,  most  of  them  built  of  iron,  and  the  massive  Winnebago 
street  viaduct,  spanning  the  entire  yards  of  C.,  M.  &  St.  P.,  C.,  B.  &  Q.,  and  I.  C. 

railroads. 

—  115  — 


RocKford's  Clearing  House. 


say  that  the  financial  and  fiduciary  interests  of  the  Forest  City  at  the  present 
time  are  of  surpassing  importance,  does  not  adequately  convey  an  idea  of 
the  extent  thereof.  The  vast  amount  of  capital  invested  in  banking  and 
kindred  lines,  and  the  altogether  phenomenal  increase  in  savings  and 
deposits  in  our  many  and  varied  moneyed  institutions  during  the  past  few 
years,  have  given  Rockford  supremacy  as  the  financial  centre  in  Northern  Illinois 
outside  of  Chicago,  and  all  the  indications  are  that  she  is  bound  to  maintain  the 
lead  in  this  respect.  In  no  city  of  its  size  can  a  like  number  of  solid  and  substantial 
corporations  be  found  whose  career  has  been  uninterrupted  prosperity;  pass- 
ing through  seasons  of  panic,  business  depressions,  and  stringency  in  the  money 
market  with  credit  and  usefulness  unimpaired  and  standing  and  stability  unshaken, 
as  have  the  banks  of  this  city.  The  vast  amount  of  business  done  by  the  several 
banks  has  made  it  absolutely  necessary  for  a  clearing  house,  and  such  step's  were 
taken  a  short  time  ago.  Rockford  has  a  very  large  business,  and  in  all  probability 
will  be  able  to  show  daily  clearings  of  $150,000  to  $200,000  per  day.  It  has  been 
customary  for  the  messenger  boys  from  each  bank  to  visit  all  the  other  banks  with 
the  checks  each  day  for  a  settlement,  but  under  the  present  system  it  has  been 
simplified,  until  the  time  required  to  transact  all  the  business  is  but  thirty  minutes 
instead  of  half  a  day  as  formerly. 


Tt|e    West   Er)d    Observatory. 


©N  one  of  the  loftiest  elevations  in  or  around  Rockford— lying  just  west  of 
the  base  ball  park,  is  soon  to  be  erected  the  "West  End  Observatory," 
.  which  will  prove  one  of  the  most  novel  attractions  that  any  city  can 
boast  of.  It  is  not  a  tower  of  Babel,  although  it  seems  much  akin  to  it. 
It  will  tower  toward  the  skies  like  one  of  the  pyramids,  or  like  the  sculptured 
shaft  of  Cleopatra's  needle.  A  stock  company  has  been  formed  for  its  construc- 
tion and  the  projectors  look  upon  it  as  an  excellent  investment.  Its  location  is  in 
the  heart  of  the  flourishing  West  End  addition,  on  the  line  of  the  new  electric 
railway,  thus  furnishing  an  attraction  calculated  to  bring  wealth  into  the  coffers 
of  the  street  car  company.  The  plans  call  for  a  tower  forty  feet  square,  rising  to 
an  altitude  of  nearly  two  hundred  feet.  There  will  be  a  steam  power  elevator  to 
carry  visitors  quickly  to  the  top.  There  a  broad  panorama  will  be  unfolded  to  the 
eye  and  a  perfect  view  of  the  Forest  City  and  its  beauties  be  presented.  There  will 
be  landings  at  various  stages  of  the  journey.  Refreshment  booths  will  be  main- 
tained, and  concerts  will  be  given  at  the  observatory  from  time  to  time.  It  will  also 
be  an  excellent  spot  for  pyrotechnic  displays. 


E.   W.   BLAISDELL'S    RESIDENCE. 


JOHN    r.AHM->-    RESIDENCE. 


Before  arid  flfter  tr\e  War. 

good  old  county  of  Winnebago  sent  forth  3,200  brave  men  during  the  civil 
war  period.  The  county  was  not  as  populous  then  as  now,  and  they  could 
not  well  be  spared.  But  they  respected  their  country's  call  and  went  just 
the  same.  It  was  in  Rockford  that  the  nucleus  of  the  Ellsworth  Zouaves  was 
formed,  and  many  a  gallant  leader  hailed  from  Winnebago  county.  The  Illinois 
department  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  is  the  senior  body  in  that  organiza- 
tion. Col.  NeviusPost,  of  Rockford,  is  Post  No.  1  of  that  department,  and  there- 
fore leader  in  national  demonstrations  of  the  order.  Col.  Thos.  G.  Lawler  has 
been  commander  of  the  post  since  its  organization,  twenty-three  years  ago.  There 
Are  still  over  five  hundred  surviving  members.  They  have  extensive  auxiliaries, 
too,  in  the  Woman's  Relief  Corps,  and  a  camp  of  Sons  of  Veterans. 

The  militia  of  to  day  is  also  well  represented  in  Rockford.  The  city  is  the 
headquarters  of  the  Third  Regiment  Illinois  National  Guard,  and  two  companies 
Are  located  here.  In  local  parlance  they  are  known  as  the  Rockford  Rifles  and  the 
Rockford  Grays.  The  latter  are  the  progenitors  of  the  Ellsworth  Zouaves,  but 
the  former  has  become  the  senior  company  by  reason  of  the  reorganization  of  the 
other.  The  regiment  is  commanded  by  Col.  Tbos.  G.  Lawler.  Other  regimental 
•officers  in  Rockford  are:  Adjutant,  Lewis  F.  Lake;  Chaplain,  G.  R.  Vanhorne; 
Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice,  P.  T.  Anderson.  Capt.  Wm.  Wildt  leads  the  Grays  to 
victory  or  defeat,  and  Capt.  A.  E.  Fisher  heads  the  Rifles. 


fl  Corriplete  Server  Systenq, 


ITHOUT  good  drainage,  sanitary  plumbing  and  the  exercise  of  ordinary 
health  methods,  any  community  is  apt  to  be  threatened  with  disease. 
Rockford  fears  nothing.  She  is  well  situated,  and  boasts  of  one  of  the 
most  perfect  sewer  systems  in  the  state.  A  broad  river  flows  through 
ler  center,  almost  evenly  dividing  the  population,  and  on  either  side  two  creeks 
trace  their  way  through  much  of  each  division,  furnishing  natural  watercourses. 
The  fewer  system  as  carried  cut  follows  the  wcik  of  nature  very  closely.  Through 
these  valleys[large  mains  have  been  placed  ard  auxiliary  sewers  drain  into  these  as 
'welllas  directly  into  the  river.  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  leading  engineers  of  the 
time  that  the  Rockford  system  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  country  and  will  provide 
for  thejfuture.  At  present  it  is  as  complete  as  will  usually  be  found  in  a  city  of 
.50,000  ptcple.  About  four  miles  of  new  mains  are  laid  each  year.  The  system, 
-when  this  season's  operations  are  concluded,  will  embrace  about  twenty-one  miles, 
representing  an  outlay  of  nearly  fgOO,CCC.  The  Fewer  department  is  quite  an  im- 
portant one  in  the  city.  All  plumbing  must  be  done  by  licensed  plumbers,  and  the 
•connections  tire  all  subject  to  city  examination  and  approval.  There  is  a  liberal 
supply  of  catch  basins  and  manholes,  and  the  mains  are  all  of  ample  size  to  per- 
form' tbtir'n-iti-u  i!  of  cleansing  abeautiful  city. 

—  119  — 


ROCKFORD    PLOW    COMPANY. 


RocKford's  Paved    Streets. 


•LEAN,  well-kept  and  well-paved  thoroughfares  are  a  very  reliable  indica- 
tion of  the  spirit  of  enterprise  that  prevails  in  a  municipality.  Nothing 
impresses  a  stranger  more  in  visiting  a  city  than  to  find  that  the  streets 
are  smooth  and  well  cared  for.  Rockford  has  an  excellent  pavement  <ys- 
tem  which  is  being  constantly  enlarged.  Experiments  have  been  made  with  cedar 
blocks,  brick  and  granite  as  paving  materials,  and  the  two  former  are  in  use.  The 
first  pavement  laid  in  Rockford  was  that  of  East  State  Street,  which  was  com- 
pleted in  the  fall  of  1889.  Since  that  time  much  more  has  been  laid,  and  this  year 
will  witness  the  doubling  of  the  paving  area.  All  the  central  business  portion  of 
the  city  is  now  paved,  as  also  are  the  two  leading  residence  thoroughfares.  Ordi* 
nances  are  prepared  for  the  paving  of  other  streets,  and  the  present  plan  of  the 
pavement  system  includes  over  fifty  blocks  which  will  cost  when  all  completed 
nearly  $300,000.  Much  of  this  pavement  was  laid  by  local  contractors.  It  is  all  of 
the  best  and  is  invariably  clean  and  well  cared  for.  It  affords  superb  surface  drainage 
in  the  business  portion  and  the  thoroughfares  are  usually  as  neat  as  a  New  Eng- 
land kitchen.  It  is  indeed  one  of  Rockford's  boasts  that  she  is  a  well  paved  city. 
Thepaving  contracts  awarded  alone  in  the  month  of  June  1891  exceeded  $92,000, 
and  several  others  WITV  then  still  pending. 

-  1-JO  — 


Rdder^da  ar\d  Errata. 


The  directory  of  industries  and  corporations,  commencing  on  page  27  has 
received  some  additions  since  its  compilement.  June  1891  was  a  busy  month  among 
men  of  enterprise.  Some  changes  are  also  to  be  recorded  in  established  institu- 
tions, so  that  this  chapter  of  addenda  and  errata  is  made  necessary : 

Graham  Brothers.  This  corporation,  which  operates  woolen,  cotton  and 
paper  mills,  and  also  two  distilleries,  have  purchased  the  large  Keeney  paper  mill 
plant  on  the  east  bank  of  Rock  river,  and  have  made  extensive  additions  and  alter- 
ations. They  have  invested  $75,000  in  the  business  and  will  run  night  and  day. 
They  employ  forty  hands  in  the  paper  mill;  turnout  a  product  of  $150,000  per 
annum,  and  their  pay  roll  is  about  $22,000  a  year. 

American  Burial  Case  Company.  Incorporated  July  1891.  Capital 
$30,000.  Organized  by  Emil  Yonngberg  and  Karl  V.  Berglund.  Will  probably 
erect  a  four-story  brick  and  frame  building  in  Robertson's  Stockholm  Park  addi- 
tion, east  of  Churchill  Place.  Will  employ  fifty  hands,  with  an  annual  business  of 
$75,000  and  a  pay-roll  of  $22,000.  The  company  expects  to  increase  its  capital  to 
$50,000  within  a  few  months. 

Rockfor*!  Flour  Sieve  Company.  Incorporated  July  1891,  by  Dr.  John 
Thelberg,  H.  Wallerstedt,  R.  G.  McEvoy,  and- others.  Capital  $25,000.  Plant  not 
yet  located.  Will  employ  twenty  hands  and  expect  to  do  a  business  of  $25,000  a 
year. 

Champion  Watch  Company.  Organized  July  1891,  by  L.  E.  Crandall, 
Matthias  Bredt,  S.  E.  Mayo  and  others.  Capital  stock  $250,000.  The  company 
expect  to  build  in  Manning's  addition  in  the  West  End.  Their  factory  will  be  of 
brick,  69x353  feet  in  size  and  two  stories  high.  They  will  do  a  business  of  $100,000 
a  year  and  expect  to  exploy  200  hands,  with  a  pay-roll  of  $120.000  per  annum. 

Rock  River  Planing  JTIill  Company.  Organized  July  1891,  with  a 
capital  of  $50,000. 

Fidelity  Building  and  Loan  Association.  Organized  May  and 
June  1891.  Authorized  capital  $20,030,003.  George  M.  Blake,  President;  Gilbert 
Woodruff,  Vice-President;  Wm.  G.  Bennett,  Secretary;  Will  F.  Woodruff,  Treas- 
urer. 

Rockford  Improvement  Association.  E.  M.  Revell,  President;  Geo. 
F.  Pt-ntield,  Secretary.  The  interests  of  the  city  looked  after,  and  all  information 
furnished  inquirers.  Factory  sites  located. 

West  .End  Improvement  Company.  B.  A.  Knight,  General  Mana- 
ger. To  develop  all  West  End  property. 

H.  W.  Price  Improvement  Company.  H.  W.  Price,  President;  E.  H. 
Marsh,  Secretary.  Organized  to  build  up  and  improve  Xorth  End  property. 

Harlem  Park  Company.  Organized  1891.  Capital  $5,000.  E.  H.  Marsh, 
President:  John  H.  Camlin,  Secretary. 

—  121  — 


Rockford  Su?ar  Work*.  Located  between  Seminary  ^Street  ]and  Rock 
river.  B.  J.  Musser,  President;  Edward  J.  Helden,  Secretary.  Capital  $300,000. 
Occupy  three  large  buildings,  four  and  five  stories  high.  Employ  from  fifty  to 
three  hundred  hands,  and  do  a  business  of  $500,000  a  year. 

Mechanics'  Machine  Company.  Capital,  $10,000.  Organized  by  Levin 
Faust,  Gustaf  A.  Daliii  and  Carl  J.  Forsberg.  Do  a  general  machine  shop  busi- 
ness. 

Climax  Slide  and  Table  Company.  W.  I.  Weld  succeeds  L.  B.  Oar 
rett  as  secretary. 

Royal  Sewing  Machine  Company.  W.  H.  Dugdale  is  made  general 
superintendent. 

West  End  Furniture  Company*  Mr.  J.  H.  Lynn  has  been  elected  sec- 
retary. The  company  purposes  to  double  the  size  of  its  plant  in  a  short  time. 

Star  Furniture  Company.  Secretary  P.  G.  Lundquist  being  on  the  road 
much  of  the  time,  Emil  Swenson  has  been  elected  assistant  secretary. 


Did  tl\e 


engravings  in  this  work  are  all  half-tone  cuts  made  by  A.  Zeese  &  Co.,  of 
Chicago.    Nearly  all  were  taken  from  photographs  by  Erick  Erickson.    The 
printing  and  binding  is  the  work  of  the  Forest  City  Publishing  Company. 
We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  D.  S.  Schureman,  the  Architect,  for  drawings  furnished 
for  the  following  buildings:    The  Forest  City  Knitting  Co.,  Oscar  Nelson's  Resi- 
dence, Ingersoll  Milling  Machine  Co.,  Frank  Barnes'  Flats,  Second  Congregational 
Church,  and  the  Hotel  Nelson. 

-123- 


DIAMOND    FrHNITURE    COMPANY-1H91. 


A.     I'.IME    BAKU  HI.    FA<  TORY. 


WILLIAM    BROWN    BUILDING. 


MRS.   S.   C.    MILLER'S    RESIDENCE.    (HIGHLAND    ADDITION.) 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

The  ForeM  city  5 

Past  Hinl  Present 

Kockfnnl  Churches. 7 

Not   a   .Mushroom 9 

Secret  Societies 9 

Education  in  Rockford 11 

Business  Blocks 11 

Pleasures  of  Summer 13 

Jobbing  in  Rockford 15 

Commercial  Club 15 

Water  Works 15 

Municipal  Management 17 

Fire  Department 17 

Police  Protection 19 

Asa  Railroad  Center 19-21 

Financial  Institutions 23-25 

Facts  and  Figures 25 

The  Various  Ends 25 

Co-Operative  Idea 27 

Furniture  Factories 27-33 

Agricultural  Implements 33-37 

Machine  Shops  and  Metal  WTork- 

ers 39-43 

Cotton,  Woolen,  Paper  and  Knit- 
ting Mills  45-47 

Miscellaneous  Industries 49-59 

Semi-Municipal  Institutions 59-61 

Rockford  Press 61-63 

Printing  and  Publishing 63 

Wrhat  Rockford  Makes 65-69 

As  a  Business  Center 71 

Temperance  Headquarters 71 

Rockford's  Thespian  Temple 73 


PAOE 

City  Hospital   73-75- 

Public  Library 75 

Social  Pleasures  and  Society 75- 

Rockford  Y.  M.  C.  A 77 

A  City  of  Fine  Dwellings 1J7-75> 

Rockford  Driving  Club 79- 

Lowell  of  the  West 81 

Municipal  Improvements 83- 

Two  Valuable  Parks 83-85 

The  Hotels  of  Rockford 87 

Rockford's  Future 87 

What  Rockford  Wants 89- 

Young  Men  to  the  Front 89 

Tale  of  Two  Years 91 

The  Swedish  Citizens 91-93 

Electricity  in  Rockford 93- 

Music  in  the  Forest  City 95-97 

Public  School  System 97-99- 

Rockford  Seminary 101-103 

Church  Directory 103-105- 

Her  Health  is  Good 107 

Twenty  Miles  of  Lumber 107-109- 

Uncle  Sam's  Business 109- 

Winnebago  County Ill 

Real  Estate  in  Rockford 113-115- 

The  Bridges  of  Rockford 115 

Rockford's  Clearing  House 117 

The  West  End  Observatory 117 

Before  and  After  the  War 119- 

Complete  Sewer  System 1 19 

Rockford's  Paved  Streets 120 

Addenda  and  Errata 121-123 

Who  Did  the  Work  ..  123 


Illustrations. 


PAGE 

Blakeman  &  Dobson.Churn  Factory .  106> 

W.  F.  &  John  Barnes  Company 28 

Frank  Barnes' Flats 22 

John  Barnes'  Residence 118- 

E.  W.  Blaisdell's  Residence 118 

Wm.  Brown  Building 125 

Commercial  Club  House 114 

Court  Street  M.  E.  Church g 

Climax  Slide  and  Center  Table  Company. 56 

Central  Furniture  Company 84 

Diamond  Furniture  Company 124 

Dr.  E.  C.  Dunn's  Residence 98 

East  State  Street.... 40- 

Excelsior  Furniture  Company 78 

Emerson,  Talcott  &  Company 108- 

—  126  — 


ILLUSTRATIONS— CONTINUED. 

PAGE 

Fii>r   Lutheran  Swedish  Church 16 

Forest  City   Knitting  Company 9ft 

Forest  City  National  Bank , 52 

Forest  City  Furniture  Company 104 

A.  D.  Eorbes' Residence  98 

(irahum's  Cotton  Mills 90 

liraham's  Distillery 90 

(Venuania  Hall 60 

Globe  Clothing  Company 92 

(iovermuiMit  Building. 102 

II.  H.  Hamilton's  Residence 100 

A.  Hime's  Barrel  Factory ., 124 

Hess,  Hopkins  &  Company 110 

Ingersoll  Milling  Company 46 

Illinois  Chair  Company 110 

Illinois  Central  Depot 116 

Mechanics'  Furniture  Company 64 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Miller's  Residence 1SJ5 

Hotel  Nelson 122 

Oscar  Nelson's  Residence 82 

National  Syrup  Company,  Sugar  Works 32 

George  F.  Penfield's  Residence 112 

H.  H.  Palmer  Churn  Factory 46 

Phoenix  Furniture  Company 74 

Rockford  Mantel  and  Furniture  Company 58 

Rockford  High  School 60 

Rockford  Co  operative  Furniture  Company 62 

Rockford  Desk  and  Furniture  Company 66 

Rockford  Standard  Furniture  Company 68 

Rockford  Silver  Plate  Company 80 

Rockford  Oat  Meal  Company 86 

Rockford  City  Hospital 88 

Rockford  Cabinet  Company 88 

Rockford  Mitten  and  Hosiery  Company 94 

Rockford  Plow  Works 120 

Rockford  Female  Seminary 12 

Rockford  Electric  Manufacturing  Company 14 

Rockford  Opera  House 20 

Rockford  Watch  Factory 24 

Rockford  Shoe  Manufacturing  Company 20 

Rockford  Manufacturing  Company 36 

Rockford  Clothing  Company 38 

Rockford  Tack  Company 44 

Rockford  Burial  Case  Company 48 

Rockford  Paint  Company 52 

Rockford  Chair  and  Furniture  Company 56 

Rhoades,  Utter  Paper  Mill 112 

Royal  Sewing  Machine  Company 36 

Sturtevant's  Flouring  Mills 106 

Second  Congregational  Church 18 

St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church 42 

Skandia  Shoe  Company 48 

Skandia  Plow  Company 96 

Skandia  Furniture  Company 54 

Star  Furniture  Company 70 

Trahern  Pump  Company 44 

Tinker's  Swiss  Cottage 10 

Mrs.  W.  D.  Trahern's  Residence 100 

Union  Furniture  Company 76 

1'ttt-r  Manufacturing  Company 84 

Van  Wie  Gas  Stove  Company 34 

Winnebago  Ceunty  Court  House 6 

West  State  Street 50 

West  End  Furnitnre  Company 72 

S.  B.  Wilkins  Company  Knitting  Factory 86 

Young  Men's  Christian  Association  Building 102 

—  127  — 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


III 


III  II  III  III  hill  111  I  III 

30112031883983 


